Rachel Johnson

Rachel is the Head of Quality & Professional Standards for Havens Hospices and is responsible for ensuring that the care provided by Havens Hospices is of high quality, safe and effective. 

Rachel knew she wanted to be a nurse from an early age and began her training at St Bartholomew’s School of Nursing in 1995. Once qualified, she worked in respiratory medicine at the Royal London Hospital, moving to acute admissions, including cardiology, acute medicine, and surgery before joining the Emergency Department. 

Over the years, she learned new skills in trauma care and minor injuries before an opportunity arose for her to become a Resuscitation Officer at Barts and the London, honing her teaching skills in resuscitation practice and care of deteriorating patients. During this time, she completed an MSc in Resuscitation Practice and wished to move into a managerial role. 

 In 2009, she was appointed as the Senior Resuscitation Officer at Basildon and Thurrock NHS Foundation Trust, where she led the trust’s Resuscitation Service, collaborated across the varying specialties, and led the DNACPR work streams.   

 Since then, her career progression led her to be appointed as the Quality Assurance and Compliance Manager, an expert in CQC, providing advice on regulation, governance, risk, and compliance. Before being appointed Associate Director of Harm Free Care, and overseeing tissue viability, falls, resuscitation, and nutritional specialist nursing services, ensuring strategies were in place to provide safe, effective patient care and experience.  

 Talking about her move to Havens Hospices, she says, “I knew I wanted to apply for this role as it encompasses all that I have learnt over the years and aligns with my passion for supporting people at the end of their lives.  

 “I came for an informal visit and knew the moment I walked through the door that I wanted to be a part of the organisation because ‘Making every day count’ is an ethos I strongly believe in. 

 “I have always worked in the NHS, so working in a hospice in the charity sector gives me a new opportunity to learn, impart my knowledge, and support others.  

 “For the first time, I am working in a smaller organisation where we can drive the right changes together and support the quality and educational agendas.” 

 Rachel looks forward to getting to know the organisation, her team and demonstrating that we are an outstanding organisation. 

A white lad with blonde hair wearing a patterned dress sat outside in the garden