Gill enjoys the variety of helping patients in a busy out-patients department, as well as working wither her team who she describes as ‘always there for her’. After personal circumstances left her with little prior experience Gill decided to apply to NHSP and said that getting her job has been her proudest moment.
In her spare time Gill volunteers at a Children’s Hospice and has also lost a staggering 3 stone at a local slimming group!
We’re so pleased that you applied to NHS Professionals, Gill - your hard work and dedication makes all the difference!
Full Name: Gill
Trust Name: Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust
Staff Group: Admin and Clerical
Years working for NHS: 1-3 years
Years working for NHS Professionals: 1-3 years
Why do you love working for the NHS?
I like the variety of helping patients in a very busy outpatients department and working with a strong team of individuals who are always there for me.
How does flexible working make a difference to your life?
It means that whilst I work part time as well for the NHS, I can choose to do extra hours to help work colleagues out and fill in if the department is short staffed. It has helped me in many ways to find new friends.
What has been your proudest moment working for the NHS?
Getting the job
Tell us about your past…
I first worked for the NHS in the 1980's in catering and then left to get married and full fill other ventures. In the late 1990's I was diagnosed with Ankylosising Spondulitis which affected my back and so I retrained at St Loyes College in Accounts and Administration. When I qualified and tried looking for a job, I was told I lacked experience and was too old at 38 I did however manage to get some short-term contracts with the NHS over the next 2 years but couldn't find anything permanent. I became a companion and in later years my mother’s carer and was unable to work for several years. when she sadly passed away in 2014, I was left feeling lost. The job centre bought up the same lack of experience etc so when I saw an advert for NHS Professionals I applied and got the job I have not looked back it changed my life for the better.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of work?
When I am not working for the NHS I volunteer for our local Children’s Hospice and meet friends for coffee and eating out. I did go to a local slimming world group where I have managed to lose 3 stone, so all is good
You can take 3 items with you when stranded on a desert island, what do you take?
Item #1 water
Item #2 music
Item #3 companion
