New Eyes

 “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” ―  Marcel Proust

 

 A few years ago a nurse working at a CCG office had a wish. She knew that practice nurses and community nurses didn’t meet or work together in any meaningful way. There  would be referrals and an occasional phone call but no living contact. Yet these good nurses worked in the same communities with the same people. She felt something wasn’t right and decided to act.

 

Our nurse friend wanted to bring the nurses together and support them to know and understand each’s other work.  She created lunchtime meeting where the nurses could meet, bring their lunch and talk. The meetings were open and those who attended owned the space. The nurses started to attend  and share what they did. It was clear the nurses didn’t really know what each other did. From this listening dialogue they started to see what each other did. Through knowing this they started to know each other and laughter, friendliness and understanding started to flow. From this the nurses started to identify five areas of co-work and co-learning. They also owned this as their work and focus. Their organisations were supportive too. This was fundamentally a trust in their wisdom, vision and working together. 

 

This work offers vital lessons to our NHS and other services. We will note three aspects which we believe offer the possibility of fresh energy for our tired systems and approaches.

The first lesson is wisdom. Our CCG nurse friend believed passionately that the wisdom was in those rooms with the nurses themselves and it could only be discovered if we trusted the nurses present  and let them talk and explore together. There are two basic theories of wisdom. One is that gurus have it and we have to go cap in hand to receive their jewels of sapiental knowledge. The other theory is that wisdom lies everywhere and we should always be open to be surprised where she might shine her light. The latter theory means the homeless person or cleaner or coffee barista may be our teacher if only we can be open and listen. This approach was our friend’s. Our services desperately need these kind and open dialogical frameworks to create real alliances where all voices – patients, families, carers, third sector, hospital and local authority colleagues can be truly heard and included. But there is a price. The cost is that we have to really believe in people and believe they have something important to share and offer.   

The second lesson is learning. These nurses learnt relationally  –  by getting to know each other  – by discovery and connection. All real learning is relational – whether a person or books or nature. Its from our relationships that we learn and grow. These relationships are composed of listening, curiosity, humility and openness. This is where what we need so much (and often look in the wrong places for)  – leadership, creativity, innovation and hope – can be found. This sort of learning is also about ownership. The nurses named and owned the change so it was real and personal. That old saying ‘All teach All learn’ comes to mind. If we were to really believe and practice this we may be surprised at what happens to us personally and organisationally.  

 

The third lesson is about surrender. The future  is not about words although words matter. It’s about devolution. Devolution as a devolving of power and decision making to staff on the ground. This should go hand in hand with devolving power, finances and resources to people, communities and families so we can co-design and create the future together. It’s not an easy thing to break the organisational habits
of a lifetime ( and the fears that keep them locked tightly ) so maybe we have to start small, learn how to get it right and grow from there.  

 

There is a film with Jack Nicholson called ‘About Schmidt’. Its about an American man called Schmidt played by Nicholson. Schmidt retires and reflects on his life. He comes to the conclusion that he is living a hollow existence –  devoid of meaning and hope. He starts to support a charity working with African children and writes to one of the children. After his daughters wedding he comes home in a poor state. Fed up with the clutter and clichés of life he finds a letter waiting. It is from a nun in Africa who works with the young boy. She writes and says the young boy is an orphan and cannot read or write but he wants to send Mr Schmidt his best wishes and that he has sent him a present – a drawing. At this Schmidt opens further the envelope and takes out a folded piece of paper. On it is a child’s drawing – of a man and a child and behind them the sun shining. At this Schmidt starts to weep. There the film ends. Some commentators say that the film is all about discovery. At the end of the film Schmidt discovers what life is all about. Its about connection, care and compassion. A child has taught him what really matters.

Our friends work was all about connection, listening and care. In the mess and stress of our services its these authentic human meetings that are the signs and seeds of hope for us all.

 

Louise Brady

Cath Johnson

Jo Williamson

John Walsh