Heartbeat: Wave goodbye to… Siten Roy
July 7, 2022
This month we say au revoir to a colleague who leaves SWB after 20 years and has been the only paediatrics orthopaedic surgeon in the Trust since 2008!
Siten Roy, qualified as an orthopaedic surgeon in India and worked in Oman for a few years before moving to the UK in 1996. On arrival in the UK, he was a shoulder fellow in Stanmore before joining a training rotation in Manchester and Leeds.
He told Heartbeat: “I also did my knee fellowship in Droitwich and then worked in Dudley for two years before joining Sandwell as a consultant in 2002. I was drawn to Sandwell because of diversity, team working and the excellent opportunities to develop.”
Initially, Siten did all types of electives and trauma surgery, but later specialised in hip, knee and paediatrics before taking on managerial positions.
Reflecting on his journey into management Siten added: “In 2008 I had the opportunity to work with GPs to streamline the referral system and in 2012, I was delighted to be appointed clinical director of T&O.
“Doing my master’s in healthcare leadership was one of the best decisions of my leadership career though very challenging too due to the time commitment. On completion I was able to join the West Midlands Leadership Board on which I served for five years from 2015. At that time, I had taken on the role of clinical director in theatres and eventually became group director in 2018.”
Siten says the last 20 years have been truly fulfilling for him and he has overseen many changes.
“One major change is the participation of clinicians in management and leadership,” he said. “Nowadays junior doctors are very focussed, informed and involved in leading the changes. I have also seen a growing sense of openness, equality and transparency.
“It is good to see a huge push towards education, training and research. Leadership development opportunities have also increased, though I think this will need even more focus now.
“In some ways the pandemic has brought colleagues closer, created some real options to change the system and has brought staff wellbeing to everyone’s attention.”
Siten has enjoyed working with junior doctors, instigating changes in the leadership training at junior level, mentoring colleagues into management roles, participating in advanced clinical practitioner development within paediatrics and interacting with the Board.
He said: “The most satisfying and enjoyable part has been working with colleagues from every clinical area. My last four years as group director were both exceptionally busy and challenging, but also hugely rewarding; and probably the best part of my leadership career. This is one area I will miss the most in coming years.”
Commenting on Siten’s influence on the Trust, David Carruthers, Chief Medical Officer said: “Siten has made a fantastic contribution to the Trust over the years he has worked here both as an orthopaedic surgeon, with special interest and expertise in paediatric surgery, and then as a leader within the surgery group. He brings a calm and considered approach to the developments and challenges that are faced within the group, and it has been my pleasure to work with him over the last five years. He retires leaving the group in a strong position, ready for the service to develop further in preparation for the move to MMUH and system working within the Black Country. “
We asked Siten what he plans to do with his newfound free time.
He told us: “I will carry on with my paediatrics clinical practice for at least a year. I will also continue to do my management work for another few months, until my successor is in place.
“I hope to find more time to give back to my community and my garden may also see more of me now! Now there are less restrictions, travelling is also on the cards.
“I would like to thank all my orthopaedics colleagues, management teams and the execs for their constant support, wise advice and encouragement throughout these 20 years. I wish everybody the best.”
We wish you the best too Siten. Good luck for the future!