Michael Brennan’s Journey Overseeing Two Emergency Departments in the NHS
He’s the A&E Matron who oversees the seamless operation of two accident and emergency units at Sandwell and West Birmingham (SWB) NHS Trust.
But Michael Brennan is also the face of videos across the organisation’s social media channels which have received millions of views from across the world.
From highlighting the different ways to get treatment – whether that’s in A&E, your local pharmacy or an urgent treatment centre – to promoting the Trust as a place to work by fronting a recruitment campaign, Michael has become quite the star.
“I get recognised walking down the street,” he laughed. “I’ve even been shopping in the supermarket and people have stopped me to say they’ve seen me on TikTok. I didn’t realise my videos would be viewed so widely but it’s great to know that they are making a difference.
“The recruitment video has been very successful and we’ve had more than 100 people sign up to attend an event at the end of the month where we will share details of the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital – our new healthcare facility.”
Initially stumbling into nursing, he found unexpected fulfilment first as a student and has since risen through the ranks to his current role. Originally from Belfast, Michael has spent the last two decades in the nursing profession. He said: “I never thought I’d finish the course, but I ended up really liking it. I believe that healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Every patient entering our hospitals deserves the highest level of care that we can provide and deliver.”
He added: “My career journey started as an acute medicine nurse practitioner. Over the past six years, I progressed from senior charge nurse in A&E at Sandwell Hospital to stroke matron during the COVID pandemic, to then becoming City Hospital’s A&E matron. Eventually, I took up leadership of the two A&Es which will soon be combining into one at the Midland Met. It’s a really exciting time for us as the hospital will provide care for some of our sickest patients in a state-of-the-art environment.
“No two days are ever the same and there have certainly been challenges over the years, particularly during the COVID pandemic. The collaborative effort across the two A&E departments stands out as a testament to the remarkable teamwork within the Trust. There have also been some more light-hearted stand out experiences, such as working with the communications team on campaigns and becoming the face of some viral TikTok videos.”
