How did you start your career in Sterile Services and how long ago was that?
Monday 2nd December 1996, I took part-time evening post within the sterile Services department at my local trust hospital. I had little to no idea what to expect but the hours suited me just fine, as I was a first time mum, which allowed me not to put my son into childcare. I quickly became aware of the importance of my new role and how this had an impact on the thousands of patients that passed through our hospitals on a daily basis; I wanted to be a part of it. I decided that this would be the career for me and Voilà 26 years later here I am.
How does your role affect the care we provide to the patients and families within our Hospitals?
People are at the heart of everything we do at Ramsay and part of my role is to ensure that we maintain high levels of quality throughout our units via quality assurance, audit compliance, infection prevention control to name but a few, to ensure our patients have safe surgical outcomes.
“Sterile what Department” is usually the answer I get when explaining my role, who knew that when you have a surgical procedure the equipment used is reprocessed and used again!
What do you enjoy most about your role?
In any situation, I always think, “what care would I expect for my loved ones?” Answer, the best care possible, this has to be my main motivator and what I enjoy most, providing best outcomes and high quality. Secondly has to be the people I have worked with over the past twenty years, lots of laughter, good times, blood, sweat and tears.
Do you hope to progress in your career either within Sterile Services or in any other role in healthcare?
Over the years, Ramsay has provided me with all the tools I have needed to progress my career starting from Sterile Services Technician to where I am now. At present, I am happy where I am however; you never know what opportunities will come my way.
Do you feel Ramsay supports its employees in accessing training and development opportunities to progress their careers?
The opportunities through our training academy have provided many career developments and progress opportunities for all staff. Support and training is readily available accessible. This said, not everyone wants to progress as they are happy in the role they have chosen and this is just fine as every role vital within Ramsay.
What makes your unit a special place to work, and how would you describe the culture?
I am lucky enough to visit every hospital unit and I can hand on heart say that everyone I meet has the patient’s best interests at heart, are proud of their workplace, and are always striving to improve and keep standards high.
Are there any particularly positive moments you have experienced or individuals you have worked with that stand out to you?
I had the pleasure of working 5 years at our Berkshire Independent unit where I can honestly say I that my work colleagues became my close friends. When I relocated to another unit this was very sad for me but I will always remember the parting words from my Matron at the time “Keep shinning bright like the diamond you are” These are the kind of friends and colleagues that we make at Ramsay.
