The chief executive of Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity says it's all about the mission, not the name

What is the first thing you do when you arrive at work?

I usually arrive before 7am so get on with the things that require peace and quiet. It’s also a great time of day to catch up with Consultants in the hospital, to discuss any grant applications they might be making before their day gets going.

What makes a good day at work?

We’re a grant giving organisation, distributing around £1.5m each year to the hospital, as well as child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) and community healthcare settings. Any day where an application is successful and we are able to make an award is a good day. It’s great to link up the wishes of a supporter with a project and to know its going to have a significant, positive impact.

What turns you into the office Victor Meldrew?

We’ve got a team agreement that no Victor Meldrews are allowed in the office. Families pop in and out of our office a lot and they’re a good reminder to keep life in perspective.

What was the last thing you did that scared you?

The new Edinburgh children’s hospital opens in February 2018 so we’re driving this charity forward in order to best meet the changing needs of children, young people and families as we look to move. That means every day is a little bit scary at times but in a good way!

What’s in a name? (You’ve just changed yours, are you worried it will impact on donations?)

The hospital will drop the term ‘sick’ from its name and become officially known as the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People. We felt this was a good time for us to reflect this change and move to language which is more inclusive and positive. Our name may be different but our mission to raise funds remains the same. We hope the name means our purpose becomes even clearer to understand which in turn inspires more support.

What’s the best thing that’s happened in the last six months?

We have increased our contribution significantly. We have now given more than £3 million to fund an innovative art and therapeutic design programme in the new hospital. We’re also expanding into children and young people’s mental health services where the need for our support is growing.

What’s your favourite book?

I am looking forward to my daughter reaching Roald Dahl age and then I have an excuse to read them all again.

Would your 16-year-old self be impressed with where you are now?

I don’t know about impressed but probably not surprised. I’ve had a life-long relationship with the charity sector and can’t imagine being anywhere else.

If you were your boss would you like you?

I think so. I often feel like I am my boss. This is my first CEO role and not having someone to sound out ideas with, takes time to get used to. I’m sure I can be heard debating with myself quite often.

What’s your perfect weekend?

Jumping up and down in muddy puddles - with my three year old

What can a charity that’s just fulfilled its dreams (best fundraising year ever, new hospital) do next?

We’re only just getting started – we continue to evolve our ambitious arts programme ready for the hospital opening in less than a year. Meantime, we want to continue to increase impact elsewhere – to fulfil our mantra of ‘child first, patient second’ - and that means increasing our income raising activities and reaching out ever more for people to make donations. We’ve got big dreams…

What’s the worst thing that’s happened in the last six months?

It’s been eye opening seeing some of the challenges which face the NHS but overwhelmingly I am bowled over by highly skilled, talented staff who go to extraordinary lengths to do their best for babies, children and young people. That means the need for the charity’s ‘extras’ that make a difference to a hospital stay has never been greater.

Is this a rung on the ladder to success or your final destination?

I’m very happily seated on this rung for however long it takes.

Which Brian Cox?

If I have to choose a Cox then it’s the actor for me. If I’m being asked to choose a Brian then I’m a Brain Cant girl all the way.