Janine pays great homage to the frontline healthcare staff that save lives everyday, and to everyone else that supports the nhs to keep the cogs turning. She is right in saying that it a join effort, and that’s why we are all a close NHS family that have the patients at the heart of everything we do.

Name Janine

Trust Name Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Staff Group Admin and Clerical

Years working for NHS 10-20

Years working for NHS Professionals less than 1 year

Why do you love working for the NHS?

Well....there are a few things I like about working for the NHS .... first of all it has to be my work friends I have worked in different establishments over the years and never quite felt like I belonged, but then I got a job in the appointments Centre 13 years ago and straight away I knew I would fit in....It also turned out I was working with a cousin I never knew I had, which then lead me to meeting my real dad... which was such a massive event in my life... I no longer work in the appointment Centre but I am still good friends with ladies in there... I now work in the Assessment and Rehabilitation Unit as the Receptionist and I love my job and the people I work with, and the patients I deal with, all with different characters and with different needs and challenges. I feel there is such a good vibe everyone tries to help everyone else...and we have a laugh. I have had my ups and downs with family life as everyone does but I have felt supported by my colleagues and manager in time of need. They have tried to help with shift cover when needed or to swap days to help. Its an amazing thing is the NHS where would we be with out it ?...When I hear bad things or read bad things about us... I just think what would you do if we didn't have it !!!... The Drs the nurses the front line people who save lives everyday without even thinking about it when they get up in the morning what the day may hold.... and us not giving it a second thought that one day we may need their help....and everyone else who helps the cogs go round... well done because it takes all of us to pull together to pull it off xx

How does flexible working make a difference to your life?

Its a massive help I have a 7 year old boy and with illness...inset days and holidays it can be tricky I don't have a great deal of help with child care so to be flexible is the only I can work.

What has been your proudest moment working for the NHS?

I don't think I have a proudest moment I have a few little moments that mean a lot to me.... for example I get an elderly lady or gentleman on the phone and they are worried about changing their appointment or they just need a chat and I can help them I will...then they say to me thanks for being human and kind...we had a deaf man in the other month and he had no interpreter so I had to find away to help him, he was happy with the way helped him and thanked me....I have had thank you cards which is always a surprise but very much appreciated .

Tell us about your past

I was a veterinary nurse before I joined the NHS and I loved the job it was fab...but events changed and I had to move on to new pastures I was so worried about the change as I had been a vet nurse from leaving school but all was good.

Tell us about your life outside of the hospital

I live with my partner and son and our little jack Russell Lola...We are outdoor people and love walking and camping in our trailer tent...and getting away whenever we can....

You can take 3 items with you when stranded on a desert island, what do you take?

Item #1 radio

Item #2 never ending supply of beer

Item #3 sun cream lol.....