After four years of fertility research at the University of Birmingham I decided to hang up my lab coat in search of a more significant role in improving healthcare services. In 2013, whilst completing my thesis, I started my NHS career on the Graduate Management Training Scheme (GMTS). For two years I explored a range of different operational and strategic roles, locally and nationally with the aim of improving the delivery of healthcare services for current and future generations. Highlights include working at the Cabinet Office, with the radiology and pharmacy departments at Bedford Hospital NHS Trust to improve patient experience and flow through the hospital; and South Worcestershire CCG to improve the transfer of patients between hospitals, community providers and care homes.
Upon completion of the GMTS, I joined NHS England’s strategy team working with NHS providers, commissioners and industry to trial innovations as part of the Test Beds programme. A Five Year Forward View initiative, I expected that my greatest achievement would be the discovery of a new digital technology. However, here I learnt the skills required to unite diverse teams over a common shared goal; improving patient experience and outcomes.
Recently, I joined Barts Health NHS Trust to lead on the surgical component of the Transforming services together programme. Here my enthusiasm, adaptability and commitment are required to turn clinician’s visions for providing the best quality care for their patients into practice. Together my collective experience has strengthened my passion for improving patient care and ensuring a sustainable NHS.
In addition to my role I take an active interest in the development of future NHS leaders, mentoring GMTS trainees and actively participating in opportunities to promote careers within the NHS. In my spare time I attempt to bake masterpieces that I inflict on all!