What does a typical day at work look like?
Each day is very different and all depends on our patients’ needs. On a Monday morning I typically review all patients on the ward and in the afternoon I work in clinics.
I have lots of different clinics throughout the week from working with patients who are using electric powered wheelchairs to those who have lost a limb and require support.
My other duties include: home visits to see patients across Cumbria, teaching our junior doctors who work within elderly care, working on wards, attending meetings and admin work.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy looking after complex patients who may have had a life changing experience such as a stroke, brain injury or loss of a limb and seeing them get better and walk out of the department better.
How do you support patients?
I support patients to get better by taking time to get them to become their own health advocates. By talking to them and their families I guide them to make the best choices for their health.
What’s the biggest challenge you face in your work?
Patients can be complex at times and the time it takes for a patient to rehabilitate varies. Some patients take a lot longer than others to get better but I like to work with them to help them.
Why did you choose this as a career?
There was no doctor in my family and my parents wanted me to become one, so I chose to pursue this career for my family and I also love helping others. I like a job which makes me think, “did I make a difference to anybody’s life?” and this job gives me that satisfaction every day.
