Leading with inclusion: Women pioneering change at Hospital Innovations

Hospital Innovations, a leading UK medical supply company, is set to mark International Women’s Day on March 8th, 2024, by reaffirming its commitment to the theme of #InspireInclusion

At the helm of this initiative are Sarah Lister-Sims, Kate Fisher, and Rachel McClure, leaders within the Pontyclun-based organisation, which boasts a leadership team where women hold 50% of key positions.

Sarah Lister-Sims, serving as Managing Director since 2008, has been instrumental in shaping the company’s trajectory within the UK Human Tissue market. Drawing from her extensive experience across various male-dominated industries, Sarah champions ethical practices and gender parity within Hospital Innovations and the broader industry landscape.

Sarah said: “I have spent my whole career in male dominated industries – retail, oil and gas, and blow mould manufacturing, prior to medical. I have personally experienced bias and the focus on obstacles, not just for women, but also for young people, especially young females.

“It is important to encourage each other and to be proud of being ambitious. As we experience success, we have a duty to be part of the solution and not just point out obstacles or other women’s shortfalls.

“Here at Hospital Innovations, we have an equal opportunity policy which I am proud to say is alive and well.  Both men and women are empowered and encourage each other. There is no bias to getting hired or being promoted, as we evidence. I am proud of our inclusive work culture that finds solutions for the challenges that women experience whilst working.

“Our senior men recognise the female talent pipeline as much as we do; and together we are able to celebrate our differences, working together in a stronger fashion. Our male colleagues act as champions to help women advance and succeed. I really believe that they agree women should not be the exception in any decision-making process; hence the 50/50 ratio that we have.”

Kate Fisher, appointed Operations Manager in 2020, oversees the functioning of supply chain operations across multiple sites, ensuring efficiency and adherence to regulatory standards. With a strong commitment to ethical conduct and operational excellence, Kate plays a pivotal role in maintaining Hospital Innovations’ reputation for reliability and quality service delivery.

Kate stated: “I’m fortunate to have a fantastic team at each of our supply chain sites, who represent a mix of not only genders, but also ages and ethnicities. We are proud to celebrate diversity within our modern-day workforce.

“I’m confident in the knowledge and experience that I bring to my role but welcome ideas and suggestions from my team to improve the processes we perform and the service that we offer to our customers. I strongly believe that a diverse team is integral to the generation of new ideas, across a mix of different strengths and views.

“I have two young daughters and hope to inspire them and to show them that they can follow whatever career path they choose in the future”.

Rachel McClure, serving as Medical Education Manager, brings over two decades of experience to her role, advocating for education and inclusivity within the orthopaedic sector. In her role, Rachel is responsible for enhancing medical education initiatives, facilitating knowledge sharing, and promoting best practices in the field of Human Tissue allograft.

Rachel remarked: “I have been passionate about IWD and their work for many years. I believe in inspiring inclusion by leading as an example. It’s up to all of us to break down gender bias and encourage those around us to fulfil their potential.

“I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of inclusivity, and I’m committed to playing my part in driving positive change. By championing diversity and equality in my actions and leadership, I hope to inspire others to join me in the journey towards a more inclusive and equitable workforce.”

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It is observed annually on March 8th and serves as a call to action for accelerating gender parity and promoting women’s rights worldwide. IWD has been celebrated for over a century and is recognised as a significant occasion to raise awareness about gender equality issues, celebrate women’s accomplishments, and advocate for positive change.