Professor Dame Hilary Chapman DBE, HM Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire visits
Inspiring the Next Generation of Healthcare Professionals
Dearne Valley College was honoured to welcome Professor Dame Hilary Chapman DBE, HM Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, for an inspiring visit focused on motivating the region’s emerging healthcare talent.
Professor Dame Hilary, a highly distinguished figure in British healthcare, delivered a compelling talk to our Health Care students. She shared an insightful and realistic account of her remarkable professional trajectory, tracing her journey through nursing and healthcare, and detailing the dedication and commitment required to achieve national influence.
During her address, Professor Dame Hilary, who previously served as the Chief Nurse at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and holds an Honorary Professorship at Sheffield Hallam University, offered students an invaluable perspective on the breadth of the healthcare sector and her experience working across its many departments.
The Lord-Lieutenant admitted that when she was younger, she never envisioned herself becoming a nurse. She stressed that her success stemmed from a series of thoughtful choices and unexpected events that ultimately led her to train in nursing.
Professor Dame Hilary’s key piece of advice was to pursue what you genuinely enjoy – the job that “makes you lift your head off the pillow in the morning.” She urged students to follow their own passion.
The Essential Skills of Compassion
Reinforcing the qualities needed for a thriving healthcare career, Professor Dame Hilary emphasised that clinical skills must be matched by human qualities. She highlighted that the ability “to see something good in everyone” and to embody kindness and compassion are one of the most essential skills required in the field.
Her words resonated deeply with the students, many of whom are preparing for careers on the healthcare frontline.
Showcasing Industry-Standard Facilities
Following the address, Professor Dame Hilary was given a comprehensive tour of the College’s industry-leading Health Suites.
The Lord-Lieutenant received a first-hand look at the practical training provided by the College as students conducted various demonstrations in both of our simulated wards. These hands-on exhibits highlighted the advanced clinical skills and practical expertise our students are acquiring in a realistic hospital environment.
Students were able to showcase their proficiency using the specialist equipment available in the suites, underscoring the high quality of vocational education delivered at the College.
Find out more about our clinical health suite
Focus Group with T Level Learners
A highlight of the day was a focused session where a small group of first-year T Level learners had the opportunity to sit down and talk with the Lord-Lieutenant. This focus group allowed our students to engage in a genuine, two-way conversation with a leader who has helped shape the healthcare sector.
Students sought career advice and engaged in general conversation around Professor Dame Hilary’s extensive experiences and history working in the field. This direct interaction allowed our T Level students to gather firsthand insight that will directly inform their ongoing vocational training and future career decisions.
A Career of Influence
Professor Dame Hilary Chapman’s remarkable career provides a powerful blueprint for leadership in the health sector. Recognised as one of the NHS’s most influential nurses, she co-led the development of the Safer Nursing Care Tool, which is now used widely in hospitals across the UK. With 19 years of Board experience, Dame Hilary possesses a demonstrated national track record of strategic leadership, having spent her entire nursing career – beginning and ending her main NHS service – right here in Sheffield. Â
Her visit provided an exceptional opportunity for our students to connect directly with a top-level professional, solidifying the link between academic study and real-world career success. The RNN Group remains committed to providing learners with access to such distinguished industry leaders to inform and inspire their future professional lives.Â
We would like to thank Professor Dame Hilary Chapman DBE, HM Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, for visiting our college and delivering an inspiring talk to our healthcare students.