Even as a child, Jeanette Phillips was no stranger to the world of work. “I always say I began my career at 2 because my father had a shop, I was a little mini entrepreneur,” she recalls with a chuckle. Fast forward to today, and Phillips stands as the Chief Executive Officer of Flexicare, a company that has revolutionised social care with a personal touch.
Her journey into healthcare began at 16, when she embarked on a nursing career that would span half a century. “So next year, it will be 50 years,” she says, reflecting on her time as a cadet nurse specialising in orthopaedics and her early days in the operating theatre. It was there, at the age of 17, that she discovered the seamless link between thought and action—a connection that would define her career.
By 1981, Phillips had qualified as a registered nurse, spending several years in the NHS before making a pivotal executive decision. “I actually wanted to change social care,” she explains, “and that was about 32 years ago.” Her passion for elderly care, fuelled by her orthopaedic nursing training, led her to a mission: transforming the industry by personalising care and keeping people healthier in their own homes.
Flexicare, now 27 years strong, stands as a testament to Phillips’ vision and relentless drive. “It always seems impossible until it’s done,” she quotes Nelson Mandela, a saying that propels her every day. Under her leadership, Flexicare has aligned its services with government policies, recently earning a spot on the Government Climate hub for the NHS net zero by 2040 initiative.
Phillips’ philosophy is simple yet profound: “To do differently, you’ve got to think differently.” It’s this mindset that has not only shaped her approach to care but also inspired those around her. As she looks ahead to her 50th year in healthcare, Phillips remains a beacon of positive thinking and the power of being the change you want to see. Her legacy is one of compassion and a deep-seated belief that personalisation is the key to a life well-lived.
Jeanette’s Vision for a Healthier Tomorrow
But Jeanette is not just at the forefront of healthcare management; she is actively shaping its future. “The way forward is to keep as many people as possible at home,” she asserts. This isn’t just about leveraging technology or reallocating resources; it’s about a fundamental shift in how we perceive and engage with our health services.
Phillips and Flexicare are making use of a new app, Moments, designed to seamlessly integrate into daily life, capturing the small but significant activities that contribute to our well-being. It’s part of a broader strategy to foster a “mindset change” towards health—a move from passive receipt of care to active participation in health maintenance.
But Phillips’ vision extends beyond apps and attitudes. She’s tackling systemic issues head-on, questioning policies like the attendance allowance and advocating for a more inclusive approach. “If we’re going to get this mindset of prevention… that should be guaranteed to people who need it,” she explains, highlighting the potential savings for the NHS and the broader benefits of preventative care.
Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. The levelling up agenda papers she authored have sparked interest, and her pilot site is one of seven in the UK, working with the Department of Health to enact change. It’s a delicate process, requiring sensitivity and a commitment to Flexicare’s values. Phillips is also calling for more community involvement, particularly from retired healthcare professionals, to bolster the workforce and provide compassionate care. She’s looking ahead, focusing on what works and expanding successful models.
A Blueprint for Compassionate Care
As Flexicare grows, Phillips remains committed to her mission, ensuring that the company attracts individuals who share her passion and vision. She sees Flexicare not just as a provider of care but as a foundation for a new model of health service—one that is integrated, efficient, and, above all, caring. Her dedication is evident in her words: “We want people with imagination. They’re going to come on board to help us build what we’ve got today.” With such a leader at the helm, Flexicare is poised to make a lasting impact on the healthcare landscape.
As she reflects on how she would like Flexicare to be remembered, Jeanette’s answer is immediate and straight forward: “I would like it to be remembered as a safe foundation where people can stay at home knowing that the care, support and well-being advice is second to none.” With Jeanette’s exemplary healthcare dedication, such a legacy is certain to be true.
