Inspirational Story

Can you tell us about your role and the difference it makes to patient care?

As an Associate Practitioner within the Therapy services my role is varied and I get to meet lots of patients from different backgrounds with a variety of conditions.

My role is to support patients during their journey from hospital in to community settings where they will receive rehabilitation and assessment prior to returning home. I get to help patients achieve their goals through therapeutic and holistic interventions taking in to account their physical, social, and environmental needs.

What attracted you to being a support worker?

I originally started working for the NHS in the catering service and I observed the difference therapists made to a patients care/experience within the hospital and this attracted me to the role. I wanted to make a difference to patients’ lives and felt therapy was the route for me.

How has training and development in your role helped you so far?

Since joining the therapy service I have embarked on the foundation degree to become an Associate Practitioner and have gained a place on the Physiotherapy Apprenticeship. All the training I have had the opportunity to embark on has helped me grow as a person and practitioner and given me the foundation to become a future clinician.

What are you most proud of in your role?

I am proud that every day I get work within a diverse team that puts patient care at the centre of everything it does. I am part of a team that helps patients when they’re at their most vulnerable and I get to make a difference to their lives.

What would you say to others to encourage more people to become AHP support workers?

Do it! The opportunities are there if you’re willing to work towards them, it is a rewarding career path that is varied, challenging and rewarding in equal measures.