Iona Twaddell: A Profile of Leadership, Expertise, and Academic Excellence
Iona Twaddell is a prominent professional in the healthcare and communications sectors, with an impressive career spanning various roles in strategic advisory, leadership, and journalism. Currently serving as Senior Advisor to the CEO at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Iona’s work is characterised by her commitment to improving healthcare delivery and operational efficiency, backed by a robust academic background and years of professional experience. This article provides a comprehensive look at Iona Twaddell’s career, education, and contributions to healthcare and communication fields.
Iona Twaddell’s Professional Journey
Senior Advisor at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Since April 2023, Iona Twaddell has held the position of Senior Advisor to the CEO at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. This trust is one of the largest healthcare providers in England, comprising five major hospitals. Iona plays an instrumental role in advising the CEO on strategic initiatives and policies that enhance the trust’s services and patient care. Her efforts focus on the operational aspects of healthcare delivery, including advocating for infrastructure improvements, the redevelopment of hospital facilities, and securing funding for essential projects.
One of the key initiatives Iona has supported at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust is the New Hospital Programme, which aims to modernise several key hospitals, including St Mary’s, Charing Cross, and Hammersmith hospitals. Iona’s role in driving these changes has made her a vital player in improving healthcare facilities and services within the NHS framework. Her leadership skills and strategic approach have positioned her as an influential figure in healthcare management and policy development.
Career at the General Medical Council
Before joining Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Iona Twaddell worked at the General Medical Council (GMC), where she held several senior roles over a span of six years. Between December 2020 and April 2023, she served as the Head of the Office of the Chair and Chief Executive, overseeing operations and supporting the GMC’s leadership team. Prior to this role, Iona held the position of Senior Strategy Adviser from July 2018 to December 2020, where she was responsible for the development and implementation of strategic policies that would guide the GMC’s work in regulating medical professionals across the UK.
Her tenure at the GMC allowed her to gain invaluable insight into the regulatory aspects of the healthcare system, further enhancing her expertise in managing complex healthcare environments. In this period, she was also involved in policy development, helping the GMC stay ahead of changes in the healthcare landscape, from public health initiatives to regulatory updates.
Experience in Journalism and Communications
Iona Twaddell’s career is not solely confined to healthcare management. She has also spent a significant portion of her professional life in the world of journalism. Iona worked for Cogora, a UK-based medical communications company, where she served as Deputy Features Editor from February 2017 to April 2017 and as Features Assistant from September 2015 to January 2017. Her editorial work at Cogora focused on health-related topics, with an emphasis on medical advancements and trends.
Iona’s transition from journalism to healthcare strategy highlights her versatility and ability to communicate complex ideas to a broader audience. Her editorial experience, particularly in medical journalism, has no doubt informed her approach to healthcare strategy, allowing her to convey intricate medical and regulatory issues in clear, accessible terms.
Educational Background of Iona Twaddell
University of Oxford: A Foundation in Psychology
Iona Twaddell’s academic journey began at the prestigious University of Oxford, where she studied Experimental Psychology from 2011 to 2014. During her time at Oxford, she achieved a first-class degree, demonstrating both academic excellence and a keen interest in understanding human behaviour. The study of psychology equipped Iona with a unique perspective on healthcare, particularly in areas like patient care, mental health, and behavioural science, which would later shape her approach to strategic decision-making in healthcare.
In 2013, while still at Oxford, Iona wrote a compelling article titled Man Not Machine: How False Memories Make Us Human, which was published in Oxford Scientist Magazine. The article explored the phenomenon of false memories, delving into the reconstructive nature of human memory and how these false recollections impact individuals’ daily lives. This work, blending scientific inquiry with journalistic writing, exemplifies Iona’s ability to communicate complex psychological concepts to the wider public.
Imperial College London: A Master’s in Science Communication
Building upon her undergraduate background in psychology, Iona pursued a Master of Science (MSc) in Science Communication at Imperial College London from 2014 to 2015. Here, she graduated with distinction, further honing her ability to communicate scientific knowledge to diverse audiences. This degree provided her with the skills needed to effectively convey the latest scientific research and healthcare innovations, a quality that has defined her work in both journalism and healthcare strategy.
The combination of her academic experiences at Oxford and Imperial College London has equipped Iona with a diverse skill set, blending psychological insight with advanced communication techniques. Her education laid a solid foundation for her future career, ensuring she could bridge the gap between scientific theory, medical practice, and effective communication.
Iona Twaddell’s Impact on Healthcare and Communication
Shaping Healthcare Strategy
Iona Twaddell’s expertise in healthcare strategy, combined with her in-depth understanding of the medical system’s inner workings, makes her a crucial asset to Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. Her role as Senior Advisor involves more than just advisory duties; she is actively shaping the future of healthcare in London through her involvement in critical infrastructure projects and policy decisions. Her strategic foresight, honed over years of experience in healthcare regulation and communications, has helped drive the improvement of patient services and hospital facilities.
As a Senior Advisor, Iona also advocates for patient-centred healthcare, ensuring that operational changes not only meet efficiency goals but also improve patient outcomes. Her leadership in the New Hospital Programme and other key initiatives reflects her commitment to healthcare excellence.
Promoting Clear Communication in Healthcare
Iona’s background in journalism and science communication has undoubtedly played a crucial role in her career. By bridging the gap between healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public, she ensures that important medical issues and advancements are communicated in ways that are both clear and effective. Her ability to distil complex medical information into digestible formats allows her to play a significant role in improving public understanding of healthcare matters.
Iona’s work at the GMC, where she helped regulate medical professionals and policy, underscores her dedication to upholding high standards in the healthcare industry. Through clear, transparent communication, she helps shape the policies that ensure patient safety and quality healthcare.
Conclusion
Iona Twaddell is a dynamic professional whose career has spanned several significant roles in healthcare strategy, medical communications, and journalism. From her educational roots at the University of Oxford and Imperial College London to her impactful work at the General Medical Council and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Iona has demonstrated leadership, expertise, and a commitment to improving both healthcare policy and public communication. As a Senior Advisor to the CEO at one of the UK’s largest NHS trusts, her contributions continue to shape the future of healthcare, making her a key figure in the field. Through her work, Iona has proven to be an influential advocate for healthcare transformation, clear communication, and patient-focused policies.
