GIRFT is celebrating the achievements of some of the programme’s female leaders in a series of videos to mark International Women’s Day 2026.
Ten short videos from women across the GIRFT programme – operational and clinical – have been shared on LinkedIn, offering insight into who or what inspires them, their proudest achievements and their advice for women entering the NHS.
Click the links below to watch the videos from:
Rachel Yates: Director of Clinical Improvement and GIRFT programme co-lead
Chloe Scruton: Head of specialist implementation for GIRFT
Su De: Joint GIRFT clinical lead for ENT surgery
Polly Hyde: Head of clinical information products in the GIRFT Academy
Dr Sridevi Kalidindi: GIRFT clinical lead for mental health rehabilitation, and a consultant rehabilitation psychiatrist at South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.
Lydia Chang: Joint GIRFT clinical lead for ophthalmology and a consultant ophthalmologist at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Dr Helen Makins: GIRFT clinical lead for chronic pain and a consultant pain medicine anaesthetist and clinical lead for elective care at Gloucestershire ICB
Karla Parker: Assistant director of the GIRFT programme and business support team
Dr Leilah Dare: GIRFT emergency medicine clinical advisor and UEC Further Faster SRO and an emergency medicine consultant at Southmead Hospital, Bristol
Dr Liz Wilkinson: Joint GIRFT clinical lead for ophthalmology, a consultant ophthalmologist at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and clinical director for the Centre of Excellence for Eyes at the Nightingale Hospital, Exeter
International Women’s Day (IWD) is held annually on 8 March, celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide. 2026 marks 115 years of the initiative, which promotes collective action, advocacy, and progress toward gender equality.
The overarching aims of IWD are to:
- Celebrate women’s achievements through recognising and appreciating the contributions of women in various fields, highlighting their influence and successes throughout history and in the present day.
- Raise awareness of gender inequality through shining a light on issues such as the gender pay gap and representation in leadership roles.
- Mobilise action for equality through encouraging individuals, communities, and organisations to take steps toward creating a more inclusive and equitable world for women.
- Donate and fundraise for women-focused charities and elevate the visibility of their work.
- Foster solidarity among people of all genders in support of women’s rights and gender parity worldwide.
