Goodbye and good luck to Claire Cowdery

Today we say goodbye and good luck to Claire Cowdery, Senior Transformation Manager, who is moving on to a new and exciting role as Mental Health Commissioner at Essex County Council.

Anurita Rohilla gave Claire an emotional farewell and the staff briefing on Tuesday (25 May) and echoed what many colleagues have said – we will miss you Claire!

Claire started working at West Essex CCG at Terminus House in the Finance team 16 years ago on 5 January 2005 – when Tony Blair was still Prime Minister! She moved into the Commissioning team in 2007 and on to Primary Care in 2010.

Claire has worked within various teams and in different roles as the CCG evolved and adapted over time – and in between having her children. Incredibly adaptable and flexible to the changing nature of the NHS, Claire has always been keen to try new things and do what is needed to support the organisation to achieve its aims and priorities.

It’s fair to say Claire has a long list of achievements under her belt, including:

• community mobilisation work with Essex County Council
• embedding social prescribers into primary care in west Essex and being incredibly supportive with developing their professional network when they were all new in their posts
• supporting Harlow practices to become two very successful PCNs
• supporting Harlow to deliver a very effective COVID vaccination programme
• and not to forget, being a fantastic mum to two beautiful children, who are very close to Claire’s heart and values.

It’s fair to say everyone who has worked with Claire will miss her very much:

“Claire’s enthusiasm fills the room. She has a fantastic ability to bring people together to achieve and demonstrate real change.”

“Claire’s can-do attitude is so refreshing and inspiring and she has patient care at the heart of her work.”

“Claire is incredibly hard-working and such a finisher! she has always been an incredibly valued member of any team she has been part of. We are very proud that she is ready for that next step in her career.”

Claire may be moving into a new organisation but our paths will still cross. Claire’s experience and expertise will help the health and social integration as part of the One Health and Care Partnership. It is fantastic that she will still be staying within the One Health and Care Partnership work in the months and years to come.