‘Being a Peer Reviewer is rewarding and offers fantastic experience’

What is a peer reviewer? Peer reviewers are health professionals from a range of specialisms across Wales. They usually form part of a team and their knowledge and expertise ensure our work is based on current practice and experience. This work is carried out in person or at times on a remote basis.

Name: Melanie Webber-Maybank

Job Title: Interim Hospital Director (Registered General Nurse)

Location: Nuffield Health Cardiff

Career background: Melanie has worked in NHS for 25 years across major hospitals in South Wales, specialising in trauma and leadership. Melanie left the NHS eight years ago to take up the position as Head of Clinical Services in the independent sector, at which time she joined HIW as peer reviewer. Melanie’s current position is interim hospital director for two hospitals in Cardiff. Melanie is also currently studying for her MBA.

What made you decide to become a peer reviewer?

I made the decision following a recommendation from a senior leader in HIW, as they felt I had the right skillset. I was happy to apply and to allow my skills to benefit other organisations and ultimately improve patient safety. Personally, I really enjoy the inspections as I have met a diverse range of people from the inspection team to patients and the clinical staff on the ground. It allows me to feel that I am contributing to improving healthcare in Wales.

Can you describe to us the work you do as a peer reviewer?

As a peer reviewer we support the HIW inspection team to inspect healthcare establishments across Wales. The role is varied, and you can be allocated to work in any clinical area that is within your skillset and experience. HIW contact you to ask if you are available on certain dates and your availability, there is no pressure to accept if you are not available. I work full-time in my current role so often I have other commitments, but that has never been an issue. There is a meeting before the inspection starts and you are allocated a role as part of the team where you could be inspecting infection prevention, medicines management, or reviewing patients notes, you also speak to patients and staff to record their experiences. There are workbooks to work through during the inspection that guide you regarding standards and areas you need to be observing or reviewing. You see so much good work that goes on and identify areas of improvement that can improve patient experience, safety and working conditions for staff.

How rewarding is the role? And how does this position contribute to HIW’s priorities?

The role is really rewarding as you are working with professional teams who support you as a peer reviewer during the inspection process. You also feel you are contributing to keeping patients and staff safe.  You contribute towards HIW priorities as you inspect against the recommended framework and standards for patient care. HIW also asks for feedback on the inspection process, so as a peer reviewer you can also help shape the future of inspections. 

What do you enjoy the most about the role?

Speaking to the staff and patients about their experience is the most enjoyable part. As the staff work so hard often in challenging environments, the inspection process can really help support them in the future. Also, the patients are often very complimentary about their care, but if there are issues identified they are often able to be addressed and improved.

What skills or characteristics would you say best suit the role?

You need to be able to work as part of a team, have a flexible approach and be able to organise yourself within the areas you are inspecting. Good communication and a friendly open approach is helpful, so that patients and staff feel confident and comfortable to speak to you about their experiences.

What are some of the challenges you face as a peer reviewer?

The challenges can be addressing areas for improvement, as that can be difficult when staff are under pressure. In general, I do not find there are many challenges as a peer reviewer, as you are supported by HIW inspection team, and I have always been welcomed by the staff in the areas I am inspecting.

What advice would you give to someone considering this role?

I would advise anyone who is able to dedicate time to the role to apply, as it is so rewarding and offers fantastic experience.

If you could sum up the role in three words, what would they be? 

We currently have several peer reviewer vacancies, if you would like to be part of a small organisation, with a big job to do, we would like to hear from you.

Full details of the vacancies and details of how to apply can be found on our vacancies page.