Faces of the NHS

Lead Chaplain,Trust-wide

"I have been the lead chaplain for the Trust since December 2016.  I have always had a heart for caring and became a chaplain in later life after many years of teaching within special education which involved working with families and within a multi-disciplinary team. This together with a personal journey through bereavement in early adult life eventually led me to becoming ordained and feeling drawn to pursue Chaplaincy within the NHS.

"I was attracted to the NHS because I feel passionate about spiritual care and the need to treat all people with dignity and respect, and as unique individuals.

"The biggest change I have seen in my time with the NHS is the increased pressure on staff and resources.  It seems that staff have to do more and more with less money and time available to do the work.  What hasn’t changed, however, is the staff’s unfailing commitment and how they will always go the extra mile to do their best for people - and that’s what keeps the NHS going.

"Mother Teresa once said, 'We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean.  But we must always remember that the ocean is made of many drops.’  I always remind people that what matters is the individual and your ‘little drop’ matters - no matter how small - and if everyone did just a little, consider what a difference we can make together."

Senior Sister, York Hospital

“I started my nursing career a cadet at the County Hospital, after attending pre-nursing school at Marygate Nursing College, where we learned academic studies and along with practical work experience.

"I was brought up on a farm (I originally wanted to be a vet!) and my parents installed a strong work ethic in me from a young age.  My mother always taught me to never ask people to do something you aren’t willing to do yourself - and this stays with me to this day.

"I love working on the elderly ward, although it can be hard, so you really do need a passion for elderly people.  Many patients have no family, so for many we are their only friend and comfort.  It’s important to remember that all these patients have lived a life; as such it is a pleasure and an honour to hear their stories and share their memories with them.

"I remember years ago, we often wouldn’t discharge a patient at Christmas if we thought they were going home to be alone.  Staying with us, even though they didn’t need to be here, meant they would have a Christmas with ‘friends’ around them.  How times change!

"The patient I will always remember come into the ward a few years ago with severe depression.  Many thought she was end of life but through ECT treatment she eventually was able to walk out the door and on with her life.  I honestly know the experience was life changing for us both and we both shed tears the day she left.

"I work with a fantastic team and I am blessed to be surrounded by a strong and wonderful family who are proud of what I do.  My 25 year long service photograph takes pride of place in my parent’s home under their 60th Wedding Anniversary letter from the Queen.”

Head Chef, Bridlington Hospital

"I am the Head Chef at Bridlington Hospital.  I first started work at Claypenny Hospital on 7 September 1970 as a trainee chef.

"Both my parents had worked for the NHS since the early 50's as well as my auntie and uncles, so you could say that I wanted to carry on the family tradition, which I have enjoyed doing.  The role of chef now is very different as the way food is produced has changed a lot, but it is always nice to know that patients and staff have enjoyed the meals provided. We get good feedback from patients for our food and it’s nice to get compliments but as long as the meals are enjoyed that is the main thing.

"The best bit of advice I was given was by my first head chef was to treat everyone with respect and never make someone do a job that you are unable to do yourself."

Clinical Phsychologist, Trust-wide

"I’m a clinical psychologist and I lead the Psychological Wellbeing Team, based in the Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service.  I’ve been with the Trust since 2006 - but I originally joined York Health Authority in 1987 as a trainee clinical psychologist.  There was a shortage of clinical psychologists at that time, and York funded me to do my training at Leeds University on condition that I worked for them once I qualified.  I stuck to my word and I’m still here!

"From being very small, I knew that I would work in healthcare (and for me that meant the NHS) – the idea of being a psychologist came later. My mum is 90 and recalls how wonderful it was when free healthcare became available to all in 1948.  Her appreciation of the NHS is now instilled in me and I’m proud to be part of it.

"I love my role!  The best bit is that I meet a whole range of staff who, through no fault of their own, are suffering distress and mental ill health.  People arrive in my clinic from all areas and all levels of the organisation. I feel privileged that they put their trust in me to share difficult and painful experiences and I value the opportunity to offer them assistance.

"I also enjoy working with staff across the organisation on a range of initiatives to promote and support the mental health of our workforce.  There is still a way to go – mental health has a very long history of stigma - but I think people are beginning to recognise that mental health is everybody’s issue and there is more openness about it than ever before.

"A good day for me is one when I can look back and realize that I have done things that reflect my most important values in life. 
Some good advice is “don’t sweat the small stuff” - I try to keep my focus on the bigger picture and keep all the daily hassles in perspective as they can cause stress if we let them get to us."

Nuclear Medicine Technologist, York Hospital

"I started with the Trust in 1981 after completing a degree in chemistry at York University. I wanted to put my science degree to good use and this sounded like an interesting opportunity; 37 years later I’m still here. My job is to prepare radioactive drugs and administer them to patients for diagnostic imaging purposes. The drugs make abnormal areas of the body appear different to normal areas, and the gamma camera is used to detect gamma rays emitted by the radioactive drugs in a patient’s body and produce images.

"I like the variety of my role and helping patients leave happier than when they arrived. Keeping the patient at ease during what can be a disorienting and stressful procedure is really important to me and I like to spend time with each patient to make sure they feel calm and reassured. An appointment can last anything from 10 minutes to over an hour.

"I remember the first patient I injected; he was an alcoholic vicar and quite a character, who came for regular scans. Once when I went to administer his radioactive injection, I found him in one of the then smoking rooms with a bottle of sherry on the go. He kindly offered me a ‘tipple’, which I gently declined!"

Patient Access Clericial, York Hospital

“I have been a Patient Access Clerical Officer on the Outpatients Receptions at York Hospital for the last thirteen years. I absolutely love the ‘hustle and bustle’ and busy atmosphere of working on the reception - it’s never quiet.

"The best bit of advice I have been given is to always see every patient with a fresh set of eyes and there is nothing better than seeing patient’s arrive and leave their appointments with a smile on their face.”

Service Manager, York Hospital

“I am the service manager for women’s health. I look after the administrative service for the antenatal, early pregnancy, maternity and gynaecology units. I have worked for the Trust since 2016 and before this I worked extensively overseas in Florida with Disney, and in Las Vegas, Corfu and Spain.

"I have always been involved with entertainment as part of a professional company, amateur theatre, producing musicals and acting as pantomime dame. After a few years in event management opening night parties, wedding co-ordinating, corporate events and award ceremonies and tourism as a resort manager, airport controller and travel agent manager, so when I decided it was time for a change I went down a different path with the NHS.

"I knew I wanted to work in the public sector as I believed in the values and working ethics, plus I knew they supported their staff. There was also the fact that they had good stability with pensions, annual leave and career progression.

"The best bit of my job is being able to be creative and find new ways of working, troubleshooting, fact finding and implementing development changes that benefit the Trust and the patient. I enjoy finding an area for change, researching, presenting and implementing without blocks, hassle and interference. One thing I have learnt is...document everything!”