932 FOCUS

932 FOCUS.qxp_Layout 1 03/12/2019 11:37 Page 18
18 Focus
FROM DOMESTIC TO OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH ADVISOR
Photo: Louise Grzesica,
Trainee Occupational Health
Advisor and Mental Health
First Aider, Occupational
Health Department at
Broomfield Hospital, Mid and
South Essex University
Hospitals Group.
After starting at the Trust 17 years ago, a domestic has worked her
way up the NHS ladder to become an occupational health advisor.
Louise Grzesica had no idea where her career would take her when
she first joined the Trust in 2001, she said: “I was 18 and always
wanted to be a hair dresser, but I came to the hospital because I
thought there would be better opportunities due to the size of the
organisation. So, I joined up as a cleaner.”
After two years as a domestic, she moved to urology outpatients
and saw how busy the staff was. Louise explained: “I became
frustrated because I really wanted to help, in any way possible, but
couldn’t because I wasn’t medically trained. I spoke to my ward
manager and colleagues and they encouraged me to take a leap
of faith.” Louise enrolled on the Staff Bank and worked half a shift
as a healthcare assistant learning on the job. She enjoyed it so
much she enrolled on a basic nursing programme, and went on to
complete her level three NVQ to become a fully registered nurse.
During that time she had multiple placements in the Emergency,
Oncology and Intensive Care departments. She said: “The
placements really helped me to figure out where I wanted to be.
In 2009, I settled on Billericay ward.”
For three years Louise processed patients, admitted them to
theatres and monitored their condition after operations but,
wanting to do more, she enrolled on an exciting burns and plastics
course based across General Burns, Outpatients and the Intensive
Care Unit. She said: “I loved it. It gave me the ability to understand
competencies and treat more complex wounds and dressings.”
In 2013, she moved to Stock ward as a band 5: “There was a restructure
of the service and I was able to get involved and learn
new ways of working. Over four years, I absorbed a lot of
knowledge which I adapted and applied in daily practice. It was
brilliant.
“I started giving immunisations on the ward and was really
interested in the idea of health and wellbeing, so I applied for the
role on a full-time basis in occupational health.
“This new role has opened up an array of directions for me. I’m
learning so much and have started a degree in occupational health.
I learn on the job, listen and be impartial, take bloods and practice
national guidance. I can look after my colleagues, because they
need care too.”
Looking over her 18 years’ progression, she had the following
advice for those who would like to try something new but were
unsure of what to do. She said: “Go for it, dip your feet in the water
and see. Talk to your colleagues. You don’t have to do it all at once
and I still do the occasional shift on Billericay ward, which is my
second home and a place I love to be.”
Jennifer Canham, Associate Director of Human Resources, said:
“Louise’s story is a fantastic example of how our staff can
experience and progress in a variety of roles within the Mid and
South Essex University Hospitals Group, working across multiple
disciplines and departments – and how we can enable colleagues
to explore their full potential and develop a great career in
healthcare.”
ROBOTIC SURGERY SUCCESS CELEBRATED AT BROOMFIELD HOSPITAL
Donors and former patients gathered to celebrate the impact of
Broomfield Hospital’s world-class robotic surgery facilities at an
evening organised by Mid Essex Hospitals Charity.
The robotic surgery appeal has so far raised over £1.3m thanks to
and is now just £189,000 short of hitting the fundraising target.
Over 60 people gathered in the Medical Academic Unit to enjoy
canapés and speeches by consultant surgeon Sri Kadirkamanathan
and MEHT’s medical director Kevin Beaton.
The group then visited an operating theatre where surgeons
demonstrated the capabilities of the Da Vinci XI technology and
supervised as a number of guests took turns at the controls.
Megan Jiggins, 27, had surgery on her oesophagus just three
weeks ago, having been unable to eat solid food. Megan can now
eat a conventional diet again and, returning to the theatre where
her procedure was performed, described her recovery as
“amazing”.
Jamie Blackman, 34, has a gastric pacemaker fitted at Broomfield
after being fed via a tube for two years. He said his surgery was
“genuinely life-changing”.
For surgeon Sri Kadirkamanathan, it was opportunity to catch up
with many of his former patients.
“It was a wonderful night. It was lovely to see so many patients
and donors,” said Sri. “The patients are doing so well and are
FOCUS
feeling the benefit of the
robotic surgery.
“A lot of people raised money
for us and they all could see
how worthwhile their
fundraising is. Many of them
said to me that it was great to
raise money for a local cause
and then see where the money had been spent.
“Ultimately it’s all about the results and it’s so gratifying to see
everyone doing so well. I’m humbled by everyone’s generosity.”
Event organiser Charlotte Jefcoate, fundraising coordinator for
Mid Essex Hospitals Charity, said: “It was fantastic to gather
together so many people who have either contributed to or
benefited from the robot.
“It was great to be able to showcase the work of our world-class
team here at Broomfield. We couldn’t do it without incredible
legacy donors and amazing fundraisers. Their generosity has made
such a difference to so many people’s lives.
“To continue doing this brilliant work we need keep chipping away
at the target. If anyone would like to know more about the impact
of robotic surgery or contribute to our appeal, please get in touch
with the charity because this technology is changing people’s lives
in Essex and beyond.”