Inspirational Story

What was your experience of school?

I enjoyed school but looking back was probably a “middle of the road” pupil. I liked certain lessons (French was my favourite) but had to work at others. My mum referred to me as “a plodder!” I passed with 9 GCSE’s and wanted to go into sixth form but the only real subject I was interested in was French.

What was the next step after school?

Being unsure of what I really wanted to do career wise I was encouraged to go to college and I applied to study BTEC Business and Finance which incorporated Secretarial Skills and Business French.

On leaving college I secured a job at a family run printing works, starting off as an admin assistant and over 13 years working up to being Senior Production Planner. Unfortunately due to the digital world expanding the business was put into liquidation and I was made redundant.

I spent a short period at a school as a teaching assistant and then moved to Airedale to become a secretary before taking a break to be “a mum”.

After a period of nearly 5 years I was ready to return to work but decided I wanted to do something completely different and applied for a position at Airedale as a HCSW on the stroke unit. By sheer luck I got the job as I had no experience in care. On starting I had a year to undertake my NVQ L2 to secure my position.

How did you find out about a role as a AHP Support Worker?

I stayed on the unit for 5 years and really enjoyed my time but was always interested in the roles and amazing input the therapists and therapy assistants had with the patients. One of the assistants informed me of a position coming up on the medical wards as a therapy assistant and I then applied for this.

What has been your career journey so far?

I started in therapies as a band 2 therapy assistant progressing to a band 3 by undertaking my NVQ L3 and moved from the medical wards to The Frail Elderly Pathway team, covering the Acute Assessment Unit and covering Emergency Department by a bleep system.

I have also worked within different teams when capacity dictated and during the pandemic was put on the “hot” team.

I feel I have learned a lot of valuable skills during my time as a therapy assistant and I feel that in my role I am able to really make a difference to peoples lives.

What have you learnt during this time?

I have learnt a lot about myself, I thrive in a fast paced environment and always want to do the best for the patient. I have learnt about a wide range of medical conditions and assistive techniques and support available to improve the outcome for the patient.

I also enjoy looking at ways to support my team, students and new starters by constantly looking at ways to support them in their role. This includes becoming a manual handling key trainer, working with an Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) to make pocket size blood result cards for easy reference and also making pocket size cards about the correct procedure for lying and standing blood pressure. I have made a resource file for new starters and a resource file for the team to assist with discharge planning.

What is your role now?

I am currently seconded for half of my hours to an AHP Workforce Project, funded by Health Education England, as Support Workforce Lead.

I obtained this position in November by an expression of interest and was successful.

What has been your experience of this new role?

The project has really opened my eyes to what goes on “behind the scenes” and given me a better understanding of the Therapy Services. I have learnt a lot in the 6 months of my secondment and have enjoyed interacting with other assistants to learn about their roles and responsibilities and hope that the recommendations we put forward will have a positive outcome for the support workforce.

Undertaking the project has given me new confidence and I have now successfully gained a  role as Assistant Practitioner, starting as a trainee and undertaking the Foundation Degree. This is a new and exciting service based wholly in the Emergency Department working alongside a Band 7 Occupational Therapist and gives me opportunity to use my skills to improve patient experience and flow through the hospital.

What do you love about your role as an AHP Support Worker?

The wide range of people you meet on a daily basis and knowing the input you have is making a difference to the patient and their family in a positive way.

Watching people improve, a smile, a positive comment.

Being part of a great and supportive team and the opportunities I have been given.

Any advice for those interested in this type of role?

Go for it!