Inspirational Story

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

My role is to keep people safe and independent as possible, to be able to remain in their own homes or their place of preference.

I now have my own caseload, helping support patients post discharge to regain their mobility, encouraging independence to get outside and preventing re-admission into hospital.

I also complete walking aid assessments and referrals where needed. Helping them achieve their goals and improve is what I enjoy most. Listening to them and helping them achieve their “normal” is all part of our patient-centred approach.

What attracted you to being a support worker?

I first started in the Trust as a Health Care Assistant on the Rutson Rehab Ward in 1997, within a short amount of time I was working in the Outreach Team where I followed up with patients once they were discharged. I am still in a Community Team today, working as an AHP Associate Practitioner.

I was attracted to being a support worker as I enjoy helping to improve people’s ability to achieve personal goals.

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

Initially I didn’t have the Foundation Degree when I started in post. I was supported to complete the qualification by my manager.

I was the first person to gain this qualification within my Trust (a few years ago now!). Now I am enrolled on the Physiotherapy Apprenticeship, which has always been a goal of mine. Training is always beneficial to improve best practice and sharpen up existing skills

What are you most proud of in your role?

I have grown this role, developed it from a band 3 to a band 4 – breaking many boundaries along the way and paving the way for the next generation of non-registered professionals

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

I think anyone can be an assistant – you just need the passion to help people, which will help overcome any fear you may have of pursuing your career in this sector. It is an excellent career path, with the support of good management.