Celebrating Women at WUTH

This International Women’s Day (8th March), we celebrate the incredible women at Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH) who are driving change, breaking barriers, and empowering others.

Among them is Tracey Nolan, a Freedom to Speak Up and Staff Experience Lead, whose work ensures that every voice is heard and valued.

Tracey is passionate about creating a culture where all staff feel safe to raise concerns or issues and know that action will be taken.

She said: “Every woman in this hospital should feel safe, valued, and heard. My role is to ensure that when someone speaks up, they know they will be supported.”

Her work is central to WUTH’s commitment to equality and inclusion. By fostering an open and respectful workplace, she empowers women to progress in their careers with confidence.

“True leadership is about creating an environment where everyone—regardless of gender—can thrive,” she said. “Women in healthcare bring extraordinary strength and resilience, and it’s our duty to ensure they can progress without fear of bias or discrimination.”

Debs Smith, Chief People Officer at WUTH, added, “We are incredibly proud of the strong female leadership at our hospital, including our Chief Executive. Women play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare, and our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that they have the support and opportunities they need to succeed.”

Bethan Jones, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) Consultant at WUTH, exemplifies the spirit of determination and excellence. Inspired by mentors during her medical training, she pursued a career in surgery and is a leader in the field

She said: “I feel things are changing with increasing numbers of females in ENT, Head and Neck Surgery in the region.”

Bethan, who specialises in salivary gland disease and sialendoscopy, receives referrals from across the Northwest of England, and has been invited to present at international conferences in Dubai and Hong Kong. Recently, she was appointed Training Programme Director for Core Surgical Trainees at Health Education Northwest Deanery.

Balancing the intense demands of surgery with personal life and wellbeing is a challenge Bethan embraces. As a mother to a three-year-old daughter, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, ensuring she leads by example both professionally and personally.

“It’s about embracing your choices with confidence and determination,” she concluded.

Tracey Nolan