Faces of the NHS

Midwife, Scarborough Hospital

“I am a midwife and staff nurse at Scarborough Hospital, where I have worked for over 16 years in a variety of roles, from healthcare assistant, staff nurse to latterly becoming a midwife.  In my dual role, I have the privilege to care for babies at birth, as well as providing end of life care for patients.

“I cared for my grandmother from a young age and the sense of satisfaction I felt from caring for her led me to the NHS and I have never looked back.  I first applied to be a Cadet Nurse at the age of 16 when I left school as I wanted ‘hands on’ experience and an insight to the nursing profession.  I actually wanted to be a midwife from the beginning but I was advised to complete general nursing first as there wasn’t a direct route into midwifery at that time.

“As a midwife, I empower women to make choices about their bodies that brings them health, confidence and strength.  I can make a difference to a woman’s birth experience by providing individualised care and supporting them through their journey.

“As a student midwife I helped deliver 40 babies and since becoming a fully qualified midwife I have had the pleasure of safely bringing 43 babies into the world.  I will always remember delivering my first baby, Rose.  Fortunately it was a straight forward delivery with no complications, but the whole experience was daunting none the less.

“I am also a bereavement champion, which is something close to my heart.  I help and support colleagues through the practicalities of the paperwork which needs to be done when a baby sadly passes away.  I also offer emotional comfort and support during what is an incredibly difficult and sad time.

“I was closely involved with the snowdrop appeal and helped fundraise for the bereavement suite at Scarborough Hospital because I know only too well the difference it makes to families.

“Contributing to the health and wellbeing of thousands of people every day is why I work for the NHS and that makes me proud.”

Community Fundraiser, Trust-wide

“I am the Community Fundraiser for York Teaching Hospital Charity, which supports the work of Trust.

“I’ve been here for over five years and I can’t ever imagine working anywhere else. There is something in everyone who works for the NHS - I can’t put my finger on it but I would describe it as a passion, drive, desire to want to help - and that’s me. I want to make a difference every day, whether it’s helping a patient find a department, listening to a colleague tell you how hard their day has been or simply holding a door open for someone.  I’ve been the person on the receiving end of all of these and it really does make a difference and I never found that anywhere else.

“I love working on large appeals. When we run a fundraising appeal, like the Dementia Appeal, it’s come about because of the passion from staff and their patients. It’s the staff who can see the potential to make a difference and they are they drive behind it. We get to work with patients, families and the staff in a way that doesn’t normally come through day to day donations, which gives me a better understanding of their roles and the patient experiences. That drives me on because with the funds that I can help raise it can make that positive difference.

“The best bit of advice I have been given is to smile. The power of a smile has no boundaries. How many relationships have started because of a smile? How many people have had their day lifted because someone made the effort to smile? People help when you smile and smiling in infectious. Most of all its free, takes no time and it feels great! Plus I’m a fundraiser…I love free things!”

Senior Pharmacy Technician, Scarborough Hospital

“I work as a Medicine Management Technician on a variety of wards at Scarborough Hospital.

“According to my mum my first encounter with the NHS was on a very snowy new year’s eve in 1968 when two ambulance drivers and my dad had to dig the ambulance out of the snow to get my mum to hospital. I was delivered by a brilliant Scottish surgeon who was willed me to arrive before Hogmanay ended!

“I have worked for the NHS for four years, before this I worked in the community as a pharmacy technician and accuracy checker. I really enjoyed this job but felt I needed more patient contact, so read up about the role of medicine management technician. I got my break and got a technician job at Scarborough Hospital. It was very hard in the beginning, but I soon got into the swing of things with the encouragement of my colleagues. Six months into this job I got my second break and started as a medicine management technician, and have not looked back since, and where my education in the NHS really started. 

"From day one I have loved this job, and working with colleagues from cleaner to consultant, I am in awe of all the hard work they do under such pressure. If I hadn’t got my job in the NHS I don’t think I would have had a fulfilled career - I love talking, listening and caring about the patients, every day is a new challenge.

“Things have changed so much for the better in some areas. When I was eight years old I had an eye operation - I felt frightened and alone in a mixed ward, not liking the food, and not having my mum there. Now parents can stay, they can bring food in, and the nurses support a relaxed atmosphere for the children.

“In the past four years I have seen a big change in hand hygiene, and the accessibility of hand sanitisers and washing facilities. Also the hospital has played an important part in reducing IV antibiotics use to improve antibiotic resistance.

“I think the NHS has a great future ahead - we rely on it being here so much and unfortunately people will not realise this until we no longer have a superb NHS.” 

Urology Specialist Nurse, York Hospital

“I have been the Lead Macmillan Urology Nurse Specialist for nine years, providing care and support for patients diagnosed with a urological cancer.

“I started my SRN training in 1977 and I have worked for the trust for 40 years. From being very young I always knew I wanted to be a nurse, to care for people and hopefully make a difference. I have seen many changes and challenges over the years, in particular the ever increasing pressure on front-line staff and resources. Despite this I feel extremely proud to work in the NHS and in particular York Hospital where I believe we all have one aim which is to provide high quality and safe patient care.

“I love my role as a cancer nurse specialist and work with an amazing urology team. My highlights over the last few years have included gaining a degree with first class honours - which shows ‘you’re never too old - and being nominated by a patient for a community pride award which I was really proud to win. It never ceases to amaze me that even when people are going through a difficult experience they still find the time to say thank you.

“I have now taken flexible retirement to spend more time with my family and beautiful new granddaughter but still continue the job I enjoy, allowing me the best of both worlds.” 

Deputy Transport Manager, Trust-wide

“I am the Deputy Transport Manager for the Trust, based at York.  My job involves oversight for the Transport Department, which was established to support the Trust with its various and numerous transportation needs.

“When someone asks me what do we do, it’s easier to start with what don’t we do.  The department employees 30 drivers and we deliver and collect a range of items each day - from blood samples, post, stores, food, beds and furniture - to medical records.  Come what may, the team visits 270 premises a day, working 7days a week, across over the whole of North Yorkshire.  Last year we drive over 465 thousand miles.

“The department has over 25 vehicles including a HGV.  The latest addition to the department is the Mobile Chemotherapy Unit which we drive and set up at different Trust sites each day - and that’s no mean feat as this is the biggest chemotherapy HGV unit in the UK.  The drivers have had to pass three tests to gain the qualifications needed to allow them to drive the unit, along with extra training to set it up each day.

“Before I joined the Trust I was a motorcycle instructor for 15 years.  I started working for the Trust in February 2010 as a part-time pathology collection driver, so that I could look after my daughter until she started school and I’m proud that my job enabled me to do that.

“When people think about careers in the NHS they don’t often think about the activity that goes on behind the scenes but our role is essential in keeping the wheels turning in such a large, complex organisation.” #NHS70 #facesoftheNHS

Senior Sister Outpatient Services - Scarborough and Bridlington Hospitals

“I am the Senior Sister for outpatient services at both Scarborough and Bridlington hospitals, having started my career as a student nurse in 1977.

"My mother was a nurse and worked for many years in a GP practice in Bridlington, so I knew from a young age I also wanted to make a difference to people’s lives and felt that nursing was the best way to do this.

"Every day I get to meet some wonderful patients, carers and families - and I am also blessed to be working with two wonderful teams of highly skilled staff nurses and HCA’s who strive, day in and day out, to deliver the best care they can.

"The best bit of advice I have been given is always try to do the best for patients and colleagues and they will respect you for your efforts.  I like to think this is true.

"I will retire later this year but I will look back on my career with pride and fulfilment knowing I helped make a difference to the many patients I have cared for over the years.”

Volunteer Dining Companion, York Hospital

“I am a dining companion volunteer on the stroke rehabilitation ward and I’ve worked at the Trust for just over six months.

"I have a passion to study medicine at university, so having an increased understanding of how illness affects not just the patient, but family and friends too was something I was really interested in.  I am aware of how valuable everyone is who works within the NHS, and how important volunteers really are to help lessen the pressure on wards.  I wanted to be a part of a multidisciplinary network to really improve patients’ hospital experiences and boost their morale by showing a friendly face and helping in any way I can.

"It is a real privilege to volunteer in the NHS and I have just completed Level 1 as a volunteer dining companion and I am about to start Level 2.

Anatomical Pathology Technologist, Trust-wide

“I am an Anatomical Pathology Technologist and I’ve worked for the Trust in the mortuary for nine years.

"Day to day duties include performing any post mortems for the coroner, carrying out any forensic post mortems in our area and any hospital post mortems.  We care for the deceased, including preparing them for family viewings and releasing bodies to funeral directors.  This includes talking to funeral directors to arrange paperwork for funerals so bodies can be released and talking to families to arrange viewings and to give advice on funeral arrangements.

"I am part of an organisation called UK Disaster Victim Identification (UK DVI) which deals with identifying victims of a mass fatality such as terrorism, plane crash, or natural disaster.  My last deployment with the UK DVI team was at the Manchester arena bombing, where I was part of a very large forensic team put together to identify all 22 victims, which was completed in under a week.

"I came to work for the NHS after I was approached by a member of the mortuary staff when I was a funeral director collecting a deceased from the mortuary.  I was asked if I would like to apply to work there and the rest is history.

"The thing I like most about my job is the satisfaction of knowing that I have done the last thing for the deceased, carrying out our final offices before they leave our care.  It’s a very good day if we have no deaths in the hospital overnight and no deceased brought in from the community for the coroner, but sadly this rarely happens.

"The best bit of advice I was ever given was never put off doing or saying anything till tomorrow that you can do or say today and to treat everyone as you would like to be treated yourself."

MacMillan Cancer Information Support Officer, Scarborough Hospital

“I started my career with the NHS in 2008, joining the Trust initially as an MSK Clinic Coordinator based in the physio department at Scarborough Hospital.

"I was attracted to join the NHS for job security and the opportunity of part time hours as I had two young children.  The NHS also gave me the opportunity to help people, something I didn’t feel my previous role as a sales executive for a local company gave the chance to do.

"From the moment I arrived I couldn’t help but be taken in by the team ethic and support that was and has been given to me throughout my time here.  From team members, to managers and other colleagues around the Trust, I’ve always been lucky enough to work with great people.

"As my role is a patient facing one, I’ve also had plenty of opportunities to meet and work with patients, family members and carers and work with them face-to-face, to help in any way that I can.  One such way is the 'Look Good, Feel Better' sessions the cancer support team have recently launched in Scarborough.

"The sessions are for ladies undergoing cancer treatments and are proving to be a huge success for Scarborough Hospital with massively positive feedback from patients.  To see patients come into the room at the beginning of a Look Good, Feel Better session nervous and shy and then at the end of the two hour session to see them all smiling and chatting to each other is just heart-warming.

"This is what I believe working for the NHS should be all about, as trying to provide high quality patient care is what I strive for every day.”