Patsy McKenzie-Wright
Patsy McKenzie - Wright
What is your role?
Crisis Support Worker
When did you start in the NHS?
2006
Why did you join the NHS?
Because of the care my mother received from NHS when she developed dementia.
What was your first role, and how have things changed over the years?
Secretary, Administrator, Personal Assistant, Peer Support Worker
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Working with service users, making a difference to their lives (and mine).
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?
The 'red tape' and politics can be frustrating, but working with service users is very rewarding.
How would you describe the NHS in one word?
Compassion
Have you got a particular story about the NHS you’d like to share? It could be something that has made your proud to work for the NHS?
I have seen the difference good service can make to individuals and their families first hand.
Linda Lee
Linda Lee
What is your role?
Community Nursing Sister
When did you start in the NHS?
1987 (Student Nurse)
Why did you join the NHS?
To undertake Nurse Training at Kettering General Hospital (KGH)
What was your first role, and how have things changed over the years?
I qualified in 1990 and started my first post as a Staff Nurse on a surgical ward at KGH. I left there in 1997 and began working as a Community Nurse for NHFT. I still work within the Community Nursing team which has changed so much over the last 26 years.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Working within a dedicated and compassionate team. Developing extensive skills and knowledge. Being able to care for patients in their own home and offer an excellent service for their various needs.
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?
It is an opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills and follow so many different pathways. It is a rewarding career and provides you with a sense of pride each day
How would you describe the NHS in one word?
Priceless!
Have you got a particular story about the NHS you’d like to share? It could be something that has made your proud to work for the NHS?
I have many stories, but I think during Covid I witnessed our team and all the other services work with a strength and compassion, tirelessly throughout such a challenging time. I remember people cheering me in the street and every patient was so grateful for the visits and care they received. It is a time that I will always remember for many reasons, but mainly because of the sense of pride I have of my colleagues and everyone involved in maintaining excellent patient care and dealing with the challenges so professionally.
David Williams
David Williams
What is your role?
Group DIrector of Strategy and Partnerships
When did you start in the NHS?
2006
Why did you join the NHS?
To make a difference for vulnerable people
What was your first role, and how have things changed over the years?
Performance Improvement Manager. We have got better at working with other organisations to improve things together.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Seeing services and outcomes improve
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?
It’s not easy, but it’s really rewarding
How would you describe the NHS in one word?
Invaluable
Have you got a particular story about the NHS you’d like to share? It could be something that has made your proud to work for the NHS?
Creating the CAMHS collaborative has transformed how organisations work with each other and enabled us to deliver intensive community services. Enabling people to stay in their home and receive outstanding care.
Tosh Jiven
TOSH JIVEN
What is your role?
Business and Transformation Programme Coordinator
When did you start in the NHS?
2015
Why did you join the NHS?
I joined the NHS for flexible / part time working whilst my children were starting school.
What was your first role, and how have things changed over the years?
I joined staff bank and worked in the Adult ADHD ASD Team as an Administrator. The role became permanent the same year. Within two years, I moved over to working in the Clinical Systems Team (CST) as a Clinical Systems Administrator supporting staff with SystmOne related queries. After two years in this post, I applied for a secondment to work on a project standardising the way in which services use SystmOne and after just over a year Covid hit and the project came to a holt, and I returned to my previous role in CST. An opportunity came up for my current role and I have been working within The Community Healthcare Directorate for two years and two months.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
What I enjoy most about my current role is that it is varied. My role is to facilitate and support individuals, services and teams within the organisation with issues that arise and once complete I move onto the next query. I also support with a variety of transformation projects and facilitate in keeping them moving forward. I like that my previous roles have given me a different insight into how to resolve issues or introduce new ideas and that my opinions are listened to and acted upon. I work with the senior leadership team, and I love how passionate everyone is around me in putting the patient / staff first.
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?
I would say that no matter which route you have coming into the NHS, whether its clinical or non-clinical, there are lots of opportunities to be had should you wish to and regardless of your role, everyone plays a part in the patients’ journey, so you do feel that you are making a difference.
How would you describe the NHS in one word?
Evolving
Have you got a particular story about the NHS you’d like to share? It could be something that has made your proud to work for the NHS?
I support a local charity who provide Easter Eggs and Christmas Gifts to vulnerable children and families in the Northamptonshire and surrounding areas, approximately 5,000 kids are catered to. I have been doing this for over 5 years now and it never creases to amaze me how supportive my fellow NHFT colleagues are in supporting me, the donations increase year on year, even during Covid and these tough financial times.
Sue Rey
SUE REY
What is your role?
Occupational Therapist and currently Structured Clinical Management Practitioner
When did you start in the NHS?
1979
Why did you join the NHS?
I had two options I was considering, a helicopter mechanic in the WRENS, or OT. I think I fancied OT best and I am so happy with the choice I made over 40 years ago.
What was your first role, and how have things changed over the years?
My first job was as a basic grade OT in Sheffield at a Children's Assessment Centre. I was very green, looking back, I knew so little, and having subsequent opportunities to work in a rotation (6 months in each type of job) in KGH, has taught me such a lot. Then I moved into MH work and remained in this sector. In my 40+ years, the NHS has changed such a lot; more patient autonomy, which is much better.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love the variety, every day is different, even if I know what is planned in the calendar. I love it when clients make great progress, so an example for today was a client proudly showed me her new mobility scooter which I referred her for, and she was beaming and so delighted at her new found freedom.
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?
I would say if you love people, go for it. I know some people work in a variety of roles, not all front line, but it feels great to be part of such a great family whichever job you do. I am proud to be part of the NHS, and even when I retire I want to do some part time hours in the Trust.
How would you describe the NHS in one word?
Amazing.
Have you got a particular story about the NHS you’d like to share? It could be something that has made your proud to work for the NHS?
When people - colleagues - pull out all the stops to help our clients; a colleague (Non-medical prescribing) recently sorted a last minute script of a client's ADHD meds so they had it in time and could go and volunteer at Glastonbury in the Disability Access Team.
Mary Gray
MARY GARY
What is your role?
Podiatry Assistant
When did you start in the NHS?
1982-1985 (Break) 1995 to present
Why did you join the NHS?
My mother was nurse. I wanted to follow in her footsteps but then I saw a job advertised in the Podiatry Department. It sounded like just the kind of job for me.
What was your first role, and how have things changed over the years?
Podiatry Assistant
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Making a difference to people. Providing education to promote good footcare.
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?
Definitely go for it. There are so many avenues in the NHS. No two days are the same. Job satisfaction starts with you.
How would you describe the NHS in one word?
Compassion
Have you got a particular story about the NHS you’d like to share? It could be something that has made your proud to work for the NHS?
During Covid pandemic, myself and a colleague took an opportunity to develop a new part of our service that wasn't previously available. We worked tirelessly seeing patients in the hospital all through the pandemic. I was extremely proud to witness the commitment of NHS staff to their patients. We won an award for our service improvement on the production of a three minute video we made.
Tracey Dempster
TRACEY DEMPSTER
What is your role?
Assistant Director for Adults Community Healthcare for the North
When did you start in the NHS?
1991
Why did you join the NHS?
There was an opportunity to join the Oral Health promotion team in the Specialist Dental Services which looked like fun and I could fit it in with my general practice job. I was fairly newly qualified at the time and it was a great chance to get experience in a different area.
What was your first role, and how have things changed over the years?
The first job was a two-day a week Oral Health Promotion Specialist. I increased my contract in the mid-90s and took on some project work in the 'Keep Corby Smiling' project . After maternity leave in 1995, I was part time again for a while then did a secondment to implement the NHS Plan in late 1999. I came back to dentistry in 2000 and started my management career, initially on another secondment and later in a substantive role. There were many organisational changes across the years and, when we joined NHFT in 2011, I was an Integrated Team Manager for Dentistry and later Diabetic Eye Screening (odd combination!). I then became a Head of Service for Universal Children's and Ambulatory services as a secondment which became permanent - another odd combo. In 2019 I started another secondment as an Assistant Director, which I later successfully obtained substantively. The most recent change has been from AD for Ambulatory services, expanding to include Community Nursing & ICT in the North and Specialist Palliative care countywide.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The variety and proximity to clinical services. I still get a buzz when we provide really great compassionate care and make a difference to patient outcomes and experience. I have some truly great colleagues too and I appreciate them every day.
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?
Do it. It’s a vast beast but has so many opportunities. I have said this to lots of people over the years, the most recent one my own daughter who is about to start her own NHS career.
How would you describe the NHS in one word?
Compassionate
Have you got a particular story about the NHS you’d like to share? It could be something that has made your proud to work for the NHS?
The great work that our teams do makes me proud every day. I think one of the examples of that is when my own mother was end of life and was admitted to Cynthia Spencer after a really difficult time with symptom control. That first night when she was reviewed and comfortable she told me she felt safe. That's what the NHS does so well and am I grateful for the opportunity to be part of it all.
Angela Rose
ANGELA ROSE
What is your role?
Environment Support Worker
When did you start in the NHS?
1978
Why did you join the NHS?
At first, it was an evening job to fit around the children when they were small.
What was your first role, and how have things changed over the years?
I was a domestic then became a nursing housekeeper in 1987. The role then became a PEC (patient environment coordinator) then the role it is now in 2009. The job has evolved over the years to what it is now.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
My role has set jobs but also ad hoc jobs that can be different everyday. I like to be the ‘behind the scenes’ person who keeps the ward ticking over.
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?
The NHS is a wonderful employer who takes care of their staff. Teamwork has to exist on a ward like ours. We deal with all departments all of the time.
How would you describe the NHS in one word?
Fantastic. (They saved my life in 2021 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer).
Have you got a particular story about the NHS you’d like to share? It could be something that has made your proud to work for the NHS?
I was proud to be chosen to attend the 70th anniversary celebrations at Westminster abbey.
Jen Holling
Jen Holling
What is your role?
Assistant Director of Business, Partnerships and Programmes
When did you start in the NHS?
2004
Why did you join the NHS?
I joined because I believe in what our NHS stands for.
What was your first role, and how have things changed over the years?
I was a Receptionist. Things have changed so much in that 18 years that I have been here. We have new wards, new hospitals, new staff and new challenges, but my passion and commitment remains
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Co-production of services with the people we are working alongside to support
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?
Join us, the career options are so varied and the learning opportunities are always present
How would you describe the NHS in one word?
Essential
Have you got a particular story about the NHS you’d like to share? It could be something that has made your proud to work for the NHS?
My proudest moment was seeing our service users, carers and staff recognised for their dedication to crisis pathway developments and genuinely life-saving services.
Bernadette Armstrong
Bernadette Armstrong
What is your role?
Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner (APP)
When did you start in the NHS?
1988
Why did you join the NHS?
Gained a post physio diploma
What was your first role, and how have things changed over the years?
Junior physiotherapist at Sutton Hospital Surrey. At the time we were not an autonomous profession. The doctors would prescribe the treatments, usually electrical and we would have to give prescribed dose.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The variety
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?
Ensure that you have good rotations and a good clinical knowledge.
How would you describe the NHS in one word?
Parachute
Have you got a particular story about the NHS you’d like to share? It could be something that has made your proud to work for the NHS?
I had a young patient who had a degloving injury of his left forearm. This was a result of a car accident where the tyre blew and he had had his arm hanging out the window. As a result he was unable to go forward for a scholarship to the Royal Ballet at the age of 11. It was life changing for him. Having to treat a young boy whose dreams had been destroyed and motivating to move forward was very difficult. I worked with the consultants and he had multiple surgeries. We were lucky though he did not get full Function of his hand back that he was able to continue his dancing. He went forward to stage dancing and has toured the world on cruise ships and various shows and companies.
Clare Marshall
Clare Marshall
What is your role?
Principal Clinical Psychologist
When did you start in the NHS?
1989
Why did you join the NHS?
I wanted to be a Psychologist in the NHS from aged 17. I am a huge supporter of the NHS and what it stands for - free healthcare at the point of access. Having been trained by the NHS, I have always been committed to work with the more severe presentations and remain committed as a senior clinician now to ensure the NHS benefits from my years of training and experience.
As Nye Bevan stated: “No society can legitimately call itself civilised if a sick person is denied medical aid because of lack of means.”
What was your first role, and how have things changed over the years?
Assistant Psychologist CAMHS/AMH 1989-1990. Too many changes to summarise but many re-inventions of the wheel through organisational change.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Working in a committed, caring team. Delivering care to those most in need.
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?
You'll never get rich but you will make a difference to people's lives.
Another Nye Bevan quote: “The NHS will last as long as there are folk left with the faith to fight for it.” I would encourage people to be one of those folk.
How would you describe the NHS in one word?
Inspirational
Have you got a particular story about the NHS you’d like to share? It could be something that has made your proud to work for the NHS?
I have two colleagues, themselves now quite senior, whom I treated in childhood. It gives me enormous pride and satisfaction to hear that the care they received back them has changed their lives for the better and inspired them to work in the field themselves.
Anna Pillay
Anna Pillay
What is your role?
Team Administrator
When did you start in the NHS?
1987
Why did you join the NHS?
My dad Tony was a porter at the hospital and he really enjoyed working at Isebrook. He told me about a secretarial role in the Nursing Office; I applied and got the job and always wanted to work for the NHS. There were opportunities for training, good pension and holidays.
What was your first role, and how have things changed over the years?
My first role was a secretary with the nursing officer. I started working as a Secretary and we looked after seven wards at the time and would do admin duties as well as calling bank staff to come in to work. I would also do a fortnightly library service where I would go round with a trolley and lend books to patients. At Christmas, I’d enjoy setting up carol services on the wards even the consultants would join in! We only have two wards at Isebrook now and there are more offices. We used to have a big canteen with a big dining area and now lucky to have our Cafe Vie. We also had a laundry/sewing room so that any new staff who needed uniforms could get measured up and they would organise ordering and any alterations of the uniforms.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love the variety; no day is the same and it certainly keeps you on your toes. I like how we all work as a team and everyone is so kind and friendly; we are like one big happy family. There has been a lot of changes in the NHS since Covid.
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?
Go for it, you will love it!
How would you describe the NHS in one word?
Compassionate
Have you got a particular story about the NHS you’d like to share? It could be something that has made your proud to work for the NHS?
Covid - we all had our tough days, but we came out stronger and proud of what we all achieved, working all through the pandemic.
Georgina Murray
Georgina Murray
What is your role?
Registered Manager Children's Short Breaks and Registered Nurse for Learning Disbailities (RNLD)
When did you start in the NHS?
1994
Why did you join the NHS?
I always wanted a career in the NHS
What was your first role, and how have things changed over the years?
My first role, when I was 19 years of age, was in a residential home for adults with learning disabilities, in Wellingborough and under the Rockingham Forest Trust
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love feeling that I have made a positive impact on the children and young people’s lives, and supported the whole family and carers too, but also the development of my staff team.
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?
Go for it, you will not regret it. There are so many options and opportunities, and a career which is hard work, always evolving, and very rewarding
How would you describe the NHS in one word?
Supportive
Have you got a particular story about the NHS you’d like to share? It could be something that has made your proud to work for the NHS?
Lots of stories to share, but I guess my personal story starting out as a B grade support worker at the age of 19 as a shy teenager, who has worked hard and been given opportunities within the NHS to develop. Through the NVQ processes many years ago I was fortunate to have been given a secondment opportunity in 2005 and became a RNLD in 2008 starting employment within The Squirrels becoming a mentor for student nurses and developing my nursing skills and passion for children’s services. In 2015, I was offered the position as deputy manager at the John Greenwood Shipman Centre and quickly became the registered manager. This year I gained a Leadership and Management qualification. I feel proud of the NHS for giving me these opportunities to develop myself and doing what I love doing the most... making a difference to people’s lives.
Julie McGreal-Kyte
Julie McGreal-Kyte
What is your role?
Therapy Assistant
When did you start in the NHS?
1985
Why did you join the NHS?
At the time I started working for the NHS my son was 8 months old, and the hours and the shifts which I got offered, suited my family and my husband's work pattern at that time. I also wanted to have the satisfaction of caring for people who required just "a kindly face and a helping hand" to assist with their recovery.
What was your first role, and how have things changed over the years?
My first role within the NHS was at KGH maternity unit as an evening domestic which included giving out evening meals and issuing cups of tea. After the birth of my second child, I came to work at St Mary's which was then known as Rockingham Forest. There have been many changes I have seen over the years, some for the best and others not so good, but the level of care and dedicated commitment with the patients at The Forest Centre still remains a top priority with the staff I work with, and that over the years, has never changed.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I am now working as a Therapy Assistant which covers both Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy and I consider myself very fortunate that I can combine both disciplines, as it makes my job very varied, and enjoyable, and no two days are ever the same.
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?
I would say follow your dreams and "do it". Anyone coming into the "NHS family" are so lucky to be given so many more opportunities to progress with their working career, and with the apprenticeships now on offer, it opens the door to the NHS continuing to offer great care and committed staff.
How would you describe the NHS in one word?
Enviable
Have you got a particular story about the NHS you’d like to share? It could be something that has made your proud to work for the NHS?
There have been many interesting events within my working life in the NHS, but I felt really proud when working through the recent pandemic and the way it was managed at St Mary's and The Forest Centre. I was proud to work with a group of people, who worked tirelessly throughout this time, not giving a second thought about themselves at this time. I was proud to work with such professionals.
Balbir Kaur
Balbir Kaur
What is your role?
Healthcare Assistant
When did you start in the NHS?
1990
Why did you join the NHS?
It’s part of me. I enjoy supporting the vulnerable.
What was your first role, and how have things changed over the years?
Domestic Assistant
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I work with the most amazing people. I enjoy making positive difference to patients’ lives.
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?
It’s a fantastic profession. I cannot think of a more rewarding or worthwhile career.
How would you describe the NHS in one word?
Amazing
Have you got a particular story about the NHS you’d like to share? It could be something that has made your proud to work for the NHS?
I joined the NHS as a young local art student and needed money to support my higher education. Before I walked onto the wards on Monday 15th October 1990 and said to my family l will stay a month or so, no longer. Well I never regretted a single day. In my 33 year’s service, l have only had one day off sick.
Christine Burnell
Christine Burnell
What is your role?
Learning and Development Facilitator
When did you start in the NHS?
1984 - Working for Oxford Region Health Authority
Why did you join the NHS?
The job I was going for fitted in with my personal circumstances at the time. Did not really associate that I was starting to work for the NHS
What was your first role, and how have things changed over the years?
15 hour a week evening domestic at Rushden Hospital. At the time of starting we did not have the colour coding for domestic equipment, that is in place now.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
All the different roles I have done involved meeting people on a regular basis, to support them and to see them develop further
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?
Go for it, the NHS has so much more to offer than people realise
How would you describe the NHS in one word?
There
Have you got a particular story about the NHS you’d like to share? It could be something that has made your proud to work for the NHS?
Gave me a career
Deanna Watts
Deanna Watts
What is your role?
Mental health nurse
When did you start in the NHS?
1994
Why did you join the NHS?
I wanted to try to make a difference in people’s lives
What was your first role, and how have things changed over the years?
I was a support worker working with older adults with learning disabilities
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Supporting people with mental health issues
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?
It’s a very rewarding job
How would you describe the NHS in one word?
Excellent
Dr Sunil Lad
Dr Sunil Lad
What is your role?
Consultant Counselling Psychologist
When did you start in the NHS?
2006
Why did you join the NHS?
To provide a care and support to those in need.
What was your first role, and how have things changed over the years?
Trainee Counselling Psychologist in a community drug and alcohol team
What do you enjoy most about your job?
When you see you've made a positive difference in someone's life.
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?
To be able to provide care and support to society is an immense privilege, and to make a difference in their life
How would you describe the NHS in one word?
Compassionate
Have you got a particular story about the NHS you’d like to share? It could be something that has made your proud to work for the NHS?
The experiences I have had over the years have been so varied, that I not only continue to learn about others I also have learnt so much about myself and how to ensure that I look after my own health. Within the NHS we help people who are suffering, which is part of being human, we can all help others in recognising they are not alone and how we can care for others. I am immensely proud of the work the NHS does in Secured Services and the Criminal Justice System and supporting some of the most excluded parts of society to ensure their health needs are met.
Jane Faulkner
Jane Faulkner
What is your role?
Community Support Worker
When did you start in the NHS?
1984
Why did you join the NHS?
Family worked in the laundry
What was your first role, and how have things changed over the years?
Worked in the hospital laundry which is now knocked down and houses on site. When the laundry went private I moved to the kitchens at St Crispins and worked in the trolley wash and kitchens trained as a chef did my City and Guilds but left in May 1989 to work as a nursing assistant have been in the community since 1997
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Meeting people and supporting patients
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?
Definitely do it
How would you describe the NHS in one word?
Fulfilling
Have you got a particular story about the NHS you’d like to share? It could be something that has made your proud to work for the NHS?
Proud to work in a great team
Kate Marriott
Kate Marriott
What is your role?
Community Learning Disability Nurse
When did you start in the NHS?
1989
Why did you join the NHS?
As a part time job whilst at school.
What was your first role, and how have things changed over the years?
Domestic assistant. I was employed at Princess Marina Hospital, hospital closed and services went community based.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I currently work as a Community Learning Disability Nurse in the Community learning disability team (CTPLD). I enjoy working within the CTPLD as we all work together well and support one another. I like the variation of the role and the direct contact with the service users.
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?
I would encourage them to go for it.
How would you describe the NHS in one word?
Unique
Have you got a particular story about the NHS you’d like to share? It could be something that has made your proud to work for the NHS?
When working in the CTPLD we won the Team of the year award in November 2017
Fay Wickett
Fay Wickett
What is your role?
Manager - Serenity/SARC
When did you start in the NHS?
1996
Why did you join the NHS?
Working with mental health clients was always something I wanted to do ,I just finished a college course and wanted a job in healthcare whilst considering my future career path.
What was your first role, and how have things changed over the years?
Healthcare Assistant on Orchard House, seconded to do my Mental Health Nursing, Pendered South/ Harbour Ward, AOT, Nstep, Geriatric CMHT, CMHT and Serenity/SARC. Many change of jobs throughout my career which reflects in my compassion to always put our service users first.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Within my current role I am very passionate in our service users gaining back control after traumatic events.
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?
The most rewarding and tiring place to work!
How would you describe the NHS in one word?
Evolving
Have you got a particular story about the NHS you’d like to share? It could be something that has made your proud to work for the NHS?
When I arrived at Serenity, I identified that a large number of our service users had complex needs. We applied for Home Office funding which was granted and we now how a Complex Needs Worker now based here.