I have worked at PRH for 27 years, starting as an occupational therapy assistant in 1999. I have worked in many areas such as medical, surgical, AMU and orthopaedics. During this time, I have been fortunate to have the opportunities to achieve two NVQ qualifications, a foundation degree in health and finally gaining my BSc Occupational therapy at Brighton University; all whilst working for the trust.
I have also experienced the other side as a patient myself and as a family member of a patient, and have felt the emotions and concerns associated with this.
I am currently a team lead. What is important to me is that my team and the wider MDT around me feel appreciated and content in their work and feel informed on what is current within the Trust – and most importantly that they feel heard. Often the staff working on the floor are the ones with great ideas and solutions!
I feel it is beneficial for staff governors to still be clinical and in touch with the current day-to-day pressures of working in the NHS and to also hear the frustrations that staff may have.