What a great team! - East and North Herts NHS Trust

A fond farewell to the QEII’s maternity unit
Having been part of the QEII since it opened to
patients in 1963, the hospital’s maternity unit has
been the starting point in the lives of literally
thousands of local people over the intervening
48 years.
With the QEII’s birthing service having transferred fully to
the new Lister-based service from 19 October 2011, it is
very much an occasion that Grapevine wishes to mark.
The closure was marked by the staff themselves with
an ‘end of an era’ party held in Welwyn on 30th
September and attended by many staff both past and
present. The event was a great opportunity to catch up
with old friends and colleagues and reminisce over the
many happy years spent on the QEll site.
Lots of staff brought photographs covering the many
events and special occasions experienced over the
preceding years on the unit. They were the source of
many a lively discussion, story telling and laughter during
the course of the evening.
There was a fantastic team spirit in the final few days
leading up to the change. Indeed, the teamwork
demonstrated by all staff involved in the move was a
major factor in the smooth transition of maternity
services on to the Lister site. Thanks to all involved!
From volunteer to clinical support worker
Barry Gillespie explains how he moved from unemployment into a volunteer role
at the Lister and ended up studying to take on a full-time, paid caring role.
“After spending most of 2010 unemployed, whilst
nursing two feet that had been badly damaged in an
accident, I decided to try and get back into the world
of work by doing some kind of volunteering.”
The decision to volunteer brought forward many
responses from family and friends – from “I’m not
working for nothing” to “good for you; well done”.
Undaunted, I went to volunteer in A&E at the Lister.
I stayed for seven months, during which time I greeted
patients and directed and helped a wide variety of
people.
It occurred to me that I would like to work at the Lister
full time as a member of the clinical staff. After a quick
look on the internet, I found the “NHS jobs” website
with vacancies for clinical support workers.
I completed my application on line and, before long,
with knees knocking and hands shaking, I passed the
exams in English and mathematics and got through the
interview. I was on my way.
I was invited to fill a vacancy in Pirton ward on
Strathmore wing, caring for elderly patients. I accepted
and I now have a job that is sometimes fun, sometimes
difficult, sometimes heartbreaking but always busy and
rewarding.
Under the guidance of senior sister Sheila Troy and
her wonderful staff, I now have a new start in life, and
all because the Trust gave me the chance to be a
volunteer.
If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer
ward assistant, call 01438 284285.
Ideas
Do you have an article for Grapevine? The closing date for information to go into the next issue is
6th February 2012. Staff members: sue.thaw@nhs.net Public members: ftmembership.enh-tr@nhs.net
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