Our staff stories

My current role withing the Trust is Senior Practice Educator – International Recruitment.  A Nurse by profession, throughout my clinical career, I found myself wanting to help and guide staff as much as I wanted to care for patients.  This led to me becoming a Clinical Practice Educator in Day Surgery before joining the education team, both in London. 

My current role has a huge impact on patient care as me and my colleagues can attract, support and guide Nursing, Allied Health Professionals and International Medical Graduates from all over the world to join us here at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust.  This increase in our staffing levels not only brings in the clinically skilled staff we need to follow our goal of Patient First, but also makes our workforce hugely culturally diverse.  This matters to the communities that we care for as Trust as it enables us to offer more culturally appropriate care to the diverse communities we serve. 

Having lived in London for 19 years. My husband and I decided to follow our dream of living by the sea.  With Brighton being the LGBTQIA capital of the UK, choosing to work at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust was a no-brainer.  Not only for convenience but also for the values and behaviours the Trust promotes both for patients and staff.  Having great Trust networks plays a vital part for both staff that work for the Trust but the patients we care for.  They provide a safe space for our diverse workforce to be themselves and provide education to others that want to be better allies to the differing communities within our workforce. 

Whilst many see Pride as celebration, we must not forget that it is at the end of the day a protest for all to be who they are and have the rights they deserve.  With the LGBTQIA community not just in Brit on, but the entire UK being one of the most challenged for access to appropriate health, having the Trust’s presence at these events shows solidarity with the community we as a Trust care for. 

I love working for the NHS as I know that every day that I go to work, I can leave knowing that the work I do has made a positive impact on someone’s life be that clinically, educationally, or pastorally. 

What is your current role and where do you work?

I’m the Service manager for Internal Medical at Worthing Hospital.

What made you choose your chosen profession?

I started in the NHS as Band 2 Clerk in 2021 and knew straight away that I wanted to go up into Operational Management. I chose that path because I believe I can make a difference to how we offer healthcare to our patients that need it.

How does your role impact patient care?

My role impacts patient care by managing the daily operations and making sure outpatient clinics are fully utilised to help our medical team deliver care to our incoming patients and long waiting patients. Also making sure staff levels are safe for inpatient care on the wards, so that we can put our patients first with providing them treatment in a timely manner to get them home as soon as possible.

Why did you choose to work at University Hospital Sussex?

UHSussex holds the values that we needed for any NHS, and they are committed to putting them into action, but not only to the patients, they also do the same with staff. Everyone is treated as you would want to be treated with a sense of family.

What do you enjoy about working for the NHS?

I enjoy working for the NHS because you are making a difference, no matter how big or small it is. It makes that impact on person’s life or multiple people’s lives and that is the best benefit of working for the NHS.

Why are staff networks important?

They’re important as they provide support to a community that is safe and confidential where you can go for advice in a safe environment. They also give a sense of belonging and opportunity for people to connect.

Why it’s vital that we celebrate Pride and the impact that has on staff and the wider community?

It reinforces that employees are accepted for who they are, no matter who they love or how they identify. It also educates people on how to overcome any discrimination they may face. It gives a chance to create an awareness of how people can make a difference.

What is your current role and where do you work?

I’m a Senior Lecturer in Medicines Use at the University of Brighton. I also serve as an Honorary Highly Specialist Pharmacist in Hepatology at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHSussex).

What made you choose your chosen profession?

Pharmacy caught my eye because I love blending science with helping people directly. The idea of contributing to public health while engaging in cutting-edge research really excited me, and I knew this was the path for me.

How does your role impact patient care?

In my role, I get to train future pharmacists, ensuring they’re ready to deliver top-notch patient care. Plus, in my hepatology work, I directly support patients with liver diseases, helping to optimise their medication and improve their health outcomes.

Why UHSussex?

I chose UHSussex because it’s all about excellence in healthcare and professional growth. The Trust’s dedication to patient-centred care and innovative medical research perfectly aligns with what I believe in and strive for.

What do you enjoy about working for the NHS?

Working for the NHS is incredibly rewarding. It’s wonderful to be part of a team that prioritises patient care and accessibility. I love the collaborative environment and the chance to engage in groundbreaking research, all while making a real difference in patients’ lives.

Why are staff networks important?

Staff networks are super important because they provide support and create a sense of community. They’re great for sharing experiences, advocating for change, and making sure everyone feels valued and included.

Why is it important for UHSussex to be an inclusive and diverse employer?

It’s crucial for UHSussex to be inclusive and diverse to ensure that all staff feel respected and valued. A diverse workforce brings in varied perspectives and ideas, which leads to better problem-solving and innovation in patient care.

Why is it vital that we celebrate Pride and the impact that has on staff and the wider community?

Celebrating Pride is essential because it supports and acknowledges the LGBTQ+ community, fostering a culture of acceptance and respect. This celebration creates an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable being their authentic selves, boosting morale and productivity. Plus, it shows the wider community that UHSussex is committed to equality and diversity.

What is your current role and where do you work?

I am the Head of Chaplaincy and I work across all sites but mostly Royal Sussex County Hospital and Princess Royal Hospital.

What made you choose your chosen profession?

I felt called by God to be ordained but I did not feel that parish life was part of that calling. I’ve always been interested in healthcare and I did a placement at the Princess Royal Hospital as part of my training and I loved it. A post became vacant when I was finishing training and I applied and was successful. It has grown from there in the last fourteen and half years.

How does your role impact patient care?

As chaplains we are there for patients, relatives, volunteers and staff to listen and support them. Hospitals can be very difficult and frightening places and we seek to create a non-judgemental, compassionate space for people to talk and share. Some people have a faith and some don’t but spiritual care is not just about religion but about our values, beliefs and what makes life worth living and we do our best to help people connect with that part of themselves and find their own way through.

Why UHSussex?

It is my local Trust but it’s not just that as I do love the variety and the amazing people I meet and work with. 

What do you enjoy about working for the NHS?

I really believe in the principal of “free at the point of use” healthcare and that anyone can come through the doors of A&E and not worry about paying a bill. The people who work in the NHS are incredible and often don’t realise how incredible they are as the wonderful work they do seems normal to them. I am proud to work for the NHS and in some ways it is like an enormous family with family joys and challenges.

Why are staff networks important?

They help to ensure that staff from all protected characteristics are given fair opportunities to fulfil their potential and to make sure that staff can have the best possible environment and situation for their work life, free from discrimination and prejudice. They are also important for raising awareness and celebrating our vibrant diversity.

Why is it important for UHSussex to be an inclusive and diverse employer?

That way we get the best people to work for us and staff are happier, healthier and can give of their best. It makes our work so much easier and combats ignorance and divisiveness.

Why is it vital that we celebrate pride and the impact that it has on staff and the wider community?

Pride is a celebration of the diversity we hope to also have in our organisation and the community. It reminds us that equality has to be worked at as individuals and together. It encourages our LGBTQI+ staff and advertises us as an employer who welcomes diversity. It also shows LGBTQI+ members of the community that they are welcome and will be cared for with respect in our hospitals. It is also a riot of colour and music and enormous fun.

When I was young I saw my cousin, who is a nurse giving a shower and was feeding my grandmother and I asked her “Why are you giving our granny a shower and feeding her”?  and she replied “because I am a Nurse” and I remember I told her. “I want to be a nurse like you so I can do that to her”, then I became a super nurse for 33 years. I am a sister at the Stroke Ward at C10 at the Royal Sussex County Hospital. 

Being compassionate and joyful with patients helps them have a more pleasant time in the hospital while they are recovering. 

Working at UHSussex makes me feel so lucky as I am being looked after with respect and making me feel proud for being who I am. Celebrating the pride itself says it all. UHSussex value and respect our differences no matter who you are, that we are all ONE and together.