We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.” – Nelson Mandela

It  has been five years since I started my journey with you at ISQua and now it is time to say farewell. I have been honoured and privileged to be the CEO and to be tasked with transformation of the Society into a global organisation with an impact around the world. I have visited many of you over the years, meeting people who are dedicated to making a difference. I have been inspired by your determination.

"In a gentle way you can shake the world" - Mahatma Gandhi

Over the past 5 years, ISQua has moved from being a mainly upper income association of organisations and members to one that is truly global. Our members now come from just about every region of the world and this is the strength of the organisation. COVID has taught us of the need to learn rapidly and to share our experience, the humanity of suffering, redemption, sadness and joy all together.

“Always be a little kinder than necessary.” —James M. Barrie

It has taken a pandemic with all the consequences of lack of preparedness and often an inadequate response, for us to realise how fallible we are. There are many lessons on what true leadership should look like and how the absence of leadership can be catastrophic. The success of the response has rested on the hard work of those on the frontline and on the acceptance of citizens to be sensible and follow public health advice.

It always seems impossible until it’s done.  Nelson Mandela

The pandemic has been challenging to us all and has changed our lives. In the message in the last newsletter I wrote that we have had hard times but also there have been good times. 

After a year of living with COVID-19, I would like to reflect on the way we have responded to the pandemic and how it has impacted on the quality of care. While it may be easy to look back and find fault in how we responded, there are many positives and lessons that can be taken forward.

We are delighted to announce the winner of the 2019 Reizenstein Prize for best original research article, published in the International Journal for Quality in Health Care (IJQHC).