In her first month as Nottingham CityCare's Chief Executive Dr Nicole Atkinson visited two of our teams, the Primary Care Network 6 Team and Transient Families Team, based at St Anns Health Centre.
Blog: By Dr Nicole Atkinson, Chief Executive, Nottingham CityCare
As I settle into my new role as Chief Executive, one of my greatest privileges has been meeting the people behind the care; those who bring our values to life every day. Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting two remarkable teams based at St Ann’s Health Centre: the PCN6 Team and the Transient Families Team. What I witnessed was not just professionalism, but deep compassion in action.
Primary Care Network 6 (PCN6) Team: Local Knowledge, Lifelong Dedication
Covering the communities of St Ann’s and Sneinton, the PCN6 Team is a blend of District Nurses, Community Matrons and Care Navigators; each with a unique story and a shared commitment to delivering care in some of Nottingham’s most deprived areas.
I was struck by the diversity of experience within the team. One member had returned from retirement to continue serving as a District Nurse. Another brought insights from working in prison healthcare. These are people who have chosen to dedicate their careers, and in some cases, their retirements, to the wellbeing of others.
It was also a joy to meet Anita Aslam, one of this year’s Celebrating Success Annual Staff Award winners. I had read her nomination but hearing her story in person, and the heartfelt praise from her colleagues, was incredibly moving. Anita’s work as a Care Navigator is clearly valued not just by patients, but by the team that surrounds her.
Transient Families Team: Building Trust, One Family at a Time
I also had the honour of meeting last year’s Team of the Year: the Transient Families Team. Their work supporting asylum seekers and transient families is nothing short of extraordinary.
Health Visitor Abby Pratt shared how trust is the foundation of their work. For families navigating the trauma of displacement, cultural upheaval, and uncertainty, the team offers not just healthcare - but stability, dignity, and hope. Whether in temporary accommodation or hotel rooms, they meet people where they are, both physically and emotionally.
I have been invited to join the team on a community visit soon, and I’m genuinely looking forward to seeing their work in action. I know it will be a powerful reminder of the difference we can make when we lead with empathy.
To both teams: thank you for welcoming me so warmly, and for the incredible work you do every day. You are the heart of CityCare, and your impact reaches far beyond the walls of St Ann’s.
Date published: 11 July 2025
