This International Women’s Day, we’re proud to be celebrating all of the amazing women who work for us. As a family friendly company with flexible working in place, we’re working towards breaking the bias so that women can have both a career and a family. Out of five board members at Southport and Formby Health, three are women. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on our Chief Executive, Dr Lindsay McClelland.

Speaking about her achievements in her career, Lindsay said: “I owe my personal success as Chief Executive of Southport and Formby Health GP Federation and as GP partner at Ainsdale Village Surgery to the wonderful ladies that surround me and help and support me in my daily tasks.

“I’ve had a lot of support from my girl friends who support me with finding the balance: the ability to work hard, play hard, and be a good wife and mum.”

Lindsay went to Newcastle University Medical School to study Medicine in 1997. Discussing her early career, she said: "There are no doctors in my family, so I was the first and felt a huge sense of achievement when qualifying, albeit a little nervous that I was being let loose on patients!"

She completed her House Officer training in Ormskirk Hospital and then went on to Wigan to complete her GP Training. She passed the membership examination for the Royal College of General Practitioners with distinction.

"I owe this to my wonderful, kind, compassionate, motivating GP Trainer, Dr Ruth Jacks. She is a strong inspirational woman who encouraged me to be the best version of me that I could. She became my 'GP mum' and  has continually provided me with support and friendship."

In the early part of her career, Lindsay focused on becoming a GP Trainer herself and in 2010, she gained her Postgraduate Certificate in General Practice Education. Between 2009 and 2014 she was End of Life Care Lead for Wigan CCG, providing end of life care education and improving GP cancer pathways.

In 2009 Lindsay became a mum. The commute to Wigan was becoming more difficult as her daughters started school, so in order to address work-life balance, she moved to Ainsdale Village Surgery in 2014. The move wasn't quite the balance she had initially hoped for, as the sole GP decided to retire shortly after she started. In order to succeed and build a future locally, she asked her friend and House Officer colleague, Dr Octavia Stevens, to join her in partnership. They have been working together for 8 years now and their practice has grown in size, workforce and service provision.

On being an all-female leadership, Lindsay said: "We are a strong female partnership who overcome obstacles and try to provide the best service we can in difficult times."

We asked what drives her in her life and she shared her mantra.

“I try to be thankful for all the good in a day and go home feeling positive for what I achieved, instead of what I have not. I also find planning essential and will plan my day, maternal duties and finances – I love a list!

“I always encourage and support others to achieve and grow. I think it’s really important to help people be the best they can be.

“For me, I also need to be active. I’m a firm believer in a healthy body equals a healthy mind! But I’m also good at knowing when I need a rest or some help and I’m not afraid to ask for it or accept it.”

Lindsay is also an advocate for focusing on self-care. As part of Southport and Formby Health’s commitment to improving the wellbeing of our staff, we introduced funded classes ranging from yoga to swimming sessions, for staff to be able to access something that was just for them.

As our organisation grows, we’re committed to supporting the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, which is working towards a world that is free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, inclusive and where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. For more information, visit the International Women’s Day website.