In the late 1990’s, Michaela Willis MBE, founded and was CEO for the highly regarded National Bereavement Partnership charity. It was set up to give support to those affected by the issues that arose from the Bristol Royal Infirmary Public Inquiry and the infamous retained organs scandal. She was Chair of the Bristol Heart Children’s Action Group and Chair of the National Committee Relating to Organ Retention. The charity served both the public and health professionals by providing a helpline surrounding sudden and traumatic death, especially with complicated circumstances.
Michaela went on to be a lecturer in Death Bereavement and Human Tissue studies, obtained and MSc in Healthcare Ethics from Bristol University, undertook an audit of 36 hospitals and 5 universities and wrote the bereavement standards for the Irish Government. She was a member of the board for the Retained Organs Commission and the Human Tissue Authority and sat on the council of AvMA (Acton Against Medical Accidents). She was also on the Board of North Devon Primary Care Trust for 6 years. In 2002, Michaela was awarded and MBE for her services in this area.
In April 2020, Michaela reformed National Bereavement Partnership in an emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Questions:
Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
I was born in Derbyshire and I have deep roots there. It was where I spent much of my childhood and I have very fond memories of growing up in in such a beautiful part of the country. However, I settled in Devon, where I have been for the last 27 years and this is definitely home.
What are your proudest achievements?
No achievement is mine alone, they are all team efforts. That really is how I view the world. If pushed, succeeding with the team to achieve a change in the law, subsequently resulting in the Human Tissue Act 2004 was a moment I was very proud of
What inspires you?
People – without a doubt. They never cease to amaze me and the lengths that many people go through to help others is palpable. The kindness of our volunteers and support they have shown is wonderful.
What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
Death and bereavement are not the easiest subject matter for many and often because of this, it can present issues for developing conversation and often with those most in need.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
My son Daniel. He died at one week old and without a doubt, that was the reason my career path changed. The power of this, without doubt influenced me to affect change and to have a continued drive to do so.
What is the best aspect about your current role?
It is wonderful to be able to help people that need support through listening and where needed, referring on for specialist support where needed. We support a range of people from the bereaved, be it through COVID-19 or not, to those with mental health issues and are struggling particularly at this time.
And the worst?
There are just not enough hours in the day! I know that is cliché, but it is true. Now, more than ever, myself and the team are so busy. However, what that means is that there really isn’t a worst part as it means we are helping so many people.
What are your long-term goals?
For now, I see no further than ensuring I’m there for all those who need me.
If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
I would remove the NHS from the political arena and put it in the hands of a top-level professional team to look at the strategic vision for the next 20 years, not just until the next election.
If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why.
Neil Alden Armstrong – I would love to ask him if it really was the greatest achievement of mankind and did, he really did land on the moon. Also, I can’t leave out Audrey Hepburn. Her famous quote; “nothing is impossible, the word itself says I’m possible” resonates with me. She was such an elegant woman inside and out. I would have love to talk to her about her life and her work with UNICEF.
