Kate joined the NHS when she was 16 and has experienced a number of different roles but has found her calling at the Delamere Centre, Halton where she is part of a team providing to support to patients, carers and families affected by cancer. She is one of our WHH families.
Why did you choose to work in the NHS?
I started working in the NHS straight after finishing school in Warrington. I joined Warrington Hospital in 1994 as part of the Youth Training Scheme (YTS: an on-the-job training course for school leavers aged 16 and 17) and my first role from starting at the Trust in 1995 was working in the antenatal clinic. I absolutely loved it! I then went on to a role within the Pathology Lab for 13 years (where I met my husband, whom I’ve been with for 20 years), and then moved into Cancer services as an MDT Co-ordinator, before moving into my current role. My youngest son even works at the trust now, so I can definitely say we’re a true WHH family!
Tell us about your role?
My role as Deputy Manager means I coordinate, run and support the day-to-day running of the Delamere Centre, which provides cancer information and support to patients, carers and families affected by cancer.
What do you most enjoy about your role?
I really love meeting people and helping individuals through difficult times – working in cancer services is a really rewarding role. I know what I do is so valuable to everyone I help, and it really makes a difference. I work with an amazing team too - we all support each other and work together to help everyone we come in contact with. I can’t imagine working anywhere else!
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?
If you’re interested in working in the NHS, go for it! Your hospital is the centre of your community – the best part of working within the NHS is that you’re helping your community. You become part of every patient’s story, and every patient becomes part of you. I have absolutely loved working at the Trust from the very beginning, and I still do after nearly 30 years. I honestly can’t thank the NHS enough - it’s given me a career, a husband, and a family – it’s everything to me!
