Mel Kendrew

An advanced clinical practitioner (ACP) in cardiology is not only helping to save lives, but is also supporting clinicians of the future.

ACP Mel Kendrew spends half of her working life as part of the cardiology team at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust and the other half helping to support and develop ACPs of the future.

Mel started her nursing career 40 years ago, when she began her degree course in Hull. After qualifying in 1987, Mel began started career in cardiology and has never looked back since. She has worked in many areas of cardiology care, including being a ward manager.

Mel said: “When I first started, there was very little we could do for patients who suffered a heart attack other than lots of rest and a few tablets . We are now able to intervene with the use of newer procedures to open coronary arteries and newer, more effective medications, as well as much shorter stays in hospital.

“I came to Lincoln in 2015 to become an ACP in cardiology. It really is an amazing job. For the last 18 months I have also been spending half of my working life supporting other colleagues on their journeys to become qualified ACPs and develop as qualified ACPs. This is no small undertaking on their behalf, as they need to combine their knowledge and experience with completing a Master’s degree, while also working in the NHS.”

Mel’s passion for cardiology and supporting colleagues is only surpassed by her drive to put patients at the heart of everything she does.

Mel added: “I am so proud to work as part of the NHS. It is not without its difficulties, but it is also incredible. There have been so many major advancements in care since I first joined the NHS. We really have come a very long way.

“We have come through so many challenges, including the COVID pandemic. However, we are always there doing everything we possibly can for our patients.

“Not only am I part of a huge team that delivers care, but I am also a recipient along with other members of my family. I will always be proud to work in the NHS and grateful for the lifesaving care it has provided to my loved ones.”

Becky Urquhart

My Great Grandfather Rothwell Lee was a ceaseless supporter of Grantham Hospital and when the NHS was formed he was the first chairman of the Grantham Hospital Management Committee. He served in this capacity from 1948 – 1963. He has a plaque in the old main entrance to Grantham Hospital. My brother, Russell Lee also works for the NHS as a Cognitive Behaviour Therapist for Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

Claudia McKibbin

Name, job title and organisation

Claudia McKibbin, Strategic Business Partner, Lincolnshire Community Health Services

When did you start in the NHS?

October 2022

Why did you choose to work in the NHS?

Being born disabled I have been in and out of hospitals, GP surgeries and specialist centres for my whole life. I never thought I would be able to repay the amazing work done by the NHS until I saw a job description which matched my skillset and enabled me to contribute to the amazing NHS

Describe what you do in 100 words

I support the Collaborative Community Care division at LCHS (made up on Community Hospitals, Community Nursing and Specialist Services) to efficiently improve their services, through using continuous improvement methodologies, strategic thinking and focusing sustainable patient care. I support the strategic long-term vision of where our services want to be in 5 or 10 years.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

My colleagues. Talking to each of them and hearing their stories… and working alongside heroes every day!

What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?

I have already said to many people that this is one of the most rewarding jobs I have had. Even when it gets tough, which it often does, you have a true purpose where turning up every day and giving it your all, will save someone’s life. There is no greater job satisfaction, especially when everyone you work with feels the same way!

How would you describe the NHS in one word?

Passion

Fiona Morton

Name, job title and organisation

I’m Fiona Morton, I’m currently working in pre op. Assessment at Lincolnshire Community Health Service as a Staff Nurse. I will be moving to the Surgical Admissions Lounge as a Staff Nurse, in April.

When did you start in the NHS?

I started working in the NHS in October 1989.

Why did you choose to work in the NHS?

I believe in the foundations of the NHS, attached. Care for all, cradle to grave.

Describe what you do in 100 words

I currently work in a mainly nurse led department. I assess patients over the phone and face to face who are listed for elective surgery. My focus is on the risks from anaesthetic, particularly from a heart and lung point of view. I work with anaesthetists to ensure that high risk surgeries are completed as safely as possible or delayed allowing for optimisation of the patient. I also work with anaesthetists to ensure that patients can consent for or decline a high-risk anaesthetic.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

What I enjoy most is working in a team and helping people from a variety of backgrounds.

What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?

To someone considering a job in the NHS, I would say… You need to take care of yourself if you want to care for others. Your patients will teach you more about you than you ever thought possible.

How would you describe the NHS in one word?

The NHS in one word…. lifelong.

Saumya Hebbar

When did you start in the NHS?
I started in January 2019

Why did you choose to work in the NHS?
I had worked for more than 15 years in the private sector in London and was looking for a change. I believed that I could make a difference in the NHS and add value in Lincolnshire. I also had a young family and was looking for a role local to Lincolnshire ad the NHS was the biggest employer. 😊

Describe what you do in 100 words
I lead the People Hub, a team of senior programme leads that implement and embed workforce transformation programmes across the system. So essentially looking at how we can attract, develop and retain people within the sector.

What do you enjoy most about your role?
I love system working – working with various partners, collaborating and bringing together diverse teams to work towards the same goal.

What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?
The NHS is going through a phenomenal amount of change right now. If you are someone ambitious about making an impact and being a change agent, then do consider a career in the NHS. The sector offers over 300+ career options – come explore some of them.

How would you describe the NHS in one word? Priceless

Nicola Galley

Name, job title and organisation

Nicola Galley, Attraction Lead, Lincolnshire ICS

When did you start in the NHS?

May 2013

Why did you choose to work in the NHS?

I’ve always wanted to do something that is both creative and helps people. I could never have been clinical (I’m too squeamish). Whilst undertaking a degree in journalism it occurred to me that communications and PR were more up-my-street so after finishing an internship, I first came to United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT) as an Assistant Communications Officer and have worked my way up to my role I am in today. I feel like communications/marketing are another way to support staff and the public whilst also promoting the NHS in Lincolnshire as the good employer that it is.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

No two days are the same – I can be working on planning, writing, designing, working with stakeholders and a whole load of other things that really get my brain thinking and my creativity flourishing. I’m always learning too!

What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?

There is more to the NHS than doctors and nurses (as important as they most definitely are!). You will be able to find a career for life that suits you and what you want to do!

How would you describe the NHS in one word?

Invaluable.

Vicki Lightfoot

Name, job title and organisation

Vicki Lightfoot, System Retention Lead

When did you start in the NHS

August 2000

Why did you choose to work in the NHS
Opportunity to have a variety of roles and employment throughout the country

Describe what you do in 100 words
As the system retention lead my role is to support a system wide approach to retaining our staff across health and social care.  Some of the projects I am supporting this year is a system benefits offer, people promise, flexible working, career/stay conversations and pastoral support to our international recruits.

I work closely with my other colleagues in the people hub and wider system to make Lincolnshire a place where people want to work.

What do you enjoy most about your role
Working alongside the great staff and knowing we are supporting people and the communities in which we live.

What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?
Go for it!

How would you describe the NHS in one word?
Amazing

Victoria Rawlinson

Name, job title and organisation

Victoria Rawlinson, Business Support Officer, United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust

When did you start in the NHS?

July 2002

Why did you choose to work in the NHS?

I was actually just finishing college and working at the local pub (which I loved) and my Dad applied for the role for me without my knowledge, later telling me I needed to get a proper job! I received the invitation for interview in the post without having any prior knowledge. Amazingly, I got the medical secretary job (which to this day, I do not know how) and have never looked back since! It’s home.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I am actually very new in post (about a month). I started out as a medical secretary, progressed and then moved across into the Management Team, progressed and now have just started in Estates and Facilities, which I love. I have never felt so welcome within a team, each and every single person has gone out their way to help and support me, whether it be asking a new NHS acronym (cos they love ‘em) or helping move offices. The work has been a real eye-opener, a whole new world but an enjoyable experience. There is so much to learn, and I can’t wait to learn it! I love that I can continue to be a Mental Health First Aider and a Wellbeing Ally.

What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?

This is no ordinary place of work, we are one big family and the opportunities could be endless. JOIN, you won’t regret it!

How would you describe the NHS in one word?

Life-changing.

Research Team

Name, job title and organisation

Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Our team includes:

• Clinical Research Manager
• Senior Research Nurse
• Research Nurse
• Senior Administrator
• 2 x Clinical Research Practitioners

When did you start in the NHS

This ranges in our team from 1992 to 2020.

Why did you choose to work in the NHS

• I started as a Band 2 part-time clerk/typist – my first role with the NHS was more by accident, I was looking first and foremost for a job.  Little did I know what wonderful opportunities the NHS would support.  Progress to B3, seconded to nurse training and completing my degree, B6 fixed term with the research team, B7 Acting role, and now manager of the team
• It was a natural transition from my nurse training and I didn’t want to work anywhere else!
• During my 3-year training, I had numerous placements within the Trust.  These placements we county wide in hospitals, care home and community settings.  I thoroughly enjoyed all my placements and always felt that the Trust was a good place to work.  Standards of care were high, staff were supported and environments were pleasant to work in.
• I wanted to give back to the NHS as they saved my life 30+ years ago
• The NHS gave me the opportunity to work with people in supporting their health and wellbeing.
• I enjoy helping people and there’s no better place to do so than the NHS!

What do you enjoy most about your role

• Every day is different and seeing the real impact that research makes.  Without research there are no improvements to care and treatment.
• Being able to bring hope and opportunities to our service users, carers and staff through the vehicle of research. Seeing change and improvements through these opportunities
• I have been a clinician, a manager and am currently in the Research Team.  I love my current role.  I work closely with teams within the Trust and throughout the community.  I work with Study Teams from all over the country and have the pleasure of working with participants in Research who selflessly give their time to helping improve care and treatment.
• Supporting Research within the Trust to enable everyone the opportunity to take part in research.
• Meeting people and enabling them to take part in research
• The variety, autonomy, but most of all the difference that we (hopefully!) make to people, even if it’s just helping someone in a small way.

What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?

• You can have a first-class career pathway in the NHS
• Go for it! There is no better organisation to work for in terms of career opportunities, rewards and benefits
• The NHS is a wonderful place to work
• The opportunities to develop and grow are second to none in the NHS, you never know where your career will take you it’s a great place to work and learn.
• There are so many different types of roles available, there is something for everyone.
• It’s like no other organisation that you’d ever be a part of, but I mean that in the best way possible!

How would you describe the NHS in one word?

• People
• Unique
• Irreplaceable
• Incredible
• Inspirational
• Resilient

Annette Baldry

When you look at any of the big developments at Pilgrim hospital, the chances are all of the bills and invoices associated with it will have passed over the desk of one brilliant administrator.

Annette Baldry has worked at the hospital for 38 years and first started on Wednesday 22 May 1985 for South Lincolnshire Health Authority. She originally came to the hospital on work experience one day a week while at Boston College and when a job came up she started work straight away and completed her exams at the same time.

Her first job was as an orthopaedic assistant medical secretary.

“I came for an interview on the Monday and started on the Wednesday. I agreed with college that I would still be able to sit my exams. At that time we had two consultant orthopaedic surgeons and two associate specialists. How times have changed.”

Annette then had an opportunity in 1990 to become the principal secretary to the head of the building side of the works department.  Her job has evolved over time and she has been Project Administrator in Capital Projects since 2004.

Annette has seen lots of ward refurbishments, has seen the colour of the tower block change, the building of the current outpatients department and A&E. She was also the project administrator for the building of Spalding Hospital and for the new theatres at Grantham and District Hospital.

Annette added: “It has been hard work at times, but also a real privilege to have been a part of so many changes over the years. I have done everything from raising the orders, financial reporting, sorting out the invoices and general secretarial support to the team. Nothing ever stays the same in the NHS, we are always moving forward which is one of the things I love about my job.”

Peter Hodgson

Accountant dedicates 54 years of his life to working in the NHS

An accountant says he will finally put away his ledger and calculator after dedicating 54 years of his life to working in the NHS.

Peter Hodgson was just three years old when the NHS was formed.

The father of two from Lincoln, was just 17 years old when he first started working for the NHS as a clerical officer. Over the years he has worked for many NHS organisations across Lincolnshire and the East Midlands. He has worked in payroll, financial planning, financial accountancy, ledger accountancy, budget responsibility and other finance teams.

Early in his career, Peter would handwrite all of the monthly payroll cheques for colleagues.

He said: “In those days everything was in pounds, shillings and pence. I have seen so many changes over the years, the NHS is always changing and the amazing people who work here just take everything in the stride and do whatever is needed to provide outstanding care for patients. This has never changed.”

Peter says he will also be thankful to the NHS for saving his life. When he was 65 years old Peter needed an emergency triple heart bypass and it was his NHS colleagues who treated and cared for him.

He said: “I have always believed that the NHS is a fantastic institution that we should all cherish and support. I never imagined that one day I would undergo major heart surgery and my life would be saved by the very colleagues I had supported all of these years with my work.”

Since his surgery, Peter has worked part-time for United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust as an assistant accountant, but says he finally plans to retire this summer at the age of 72.

“I have so many wonderful memories and have worked with great colleagues. I am spending my last few months passing on all of knowledge to the next generation. I will always be grateful to the NHS. It has given me a career, a family, friendship and has given me more time to spend with my wife Lisa, our boys and our grandchildren. Thank you to the NHS for everything.”

Nicola Housam

Lincolnshire advanced clinical practitioner is proud to be part of a nursing dynasty

An advanced clinical practitioner (ACP) who is helping to shape national guidelines is the fifth generation of her family to train as a nurse.

Dermatology ACP Nicola Housam is proud of her nursing heritage. Nicola originally trained as a nurse, just like her mum Lesley Banks, her uncle Andrew Banks, her grandmother Jean Forster, her great grandmother and her great-great grandmother.

Her career now sees Nicola caring for patients at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, as well as lecturing around the country and speaking at national and international conferences.

Nicola has also been appointed as a NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) Clinical Advisor on an Eczema Guideline Review.

Nicola said: “I came to nursing late in life. I obviously knew about our family history and managed to resist it for a while, but it was just meant to be. I am so proud of the work we do in the NHS caring for others. Being able to make people better and improve their quality of life is so rewarding.”

Nicola’s mum Lesley was a staff nurse on an acute hospital ward before retiring, her uncle Andrew is a mental health nurse, her grandmother Jean Forster was a matron and both her great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother were also nurses.

The family even made it onto the cover of the Nursing Times in 2005 when it was looking at nursing dynasties where care had spanned generations.

Nicola added: “It is quite a legacy, but none of us planned it. We all had other ideas, but nursing just drew us in and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Caring for others is a real privilege and to know that you have made a difference is amazing. There really is no other feeling like it. I am so proud to work for the NHS.”

Nicola is also the Event Director at the Witham Way Country Park parkrun and is helping to organise the parkrun for the NHS on Saturday 8 July.

She added: “This event is bringing together my two passions. My work with the NHS and also parkrun. It is going to be a brilliant morning with an amazing atmosphere.

“There will be a warm welcome for NHS colleagues who might like to join us for the run, as well as those from our local community.”

For more information about parkrun visit home | parkrun UK

Martin Blow

A hospital porter says the satisfaction he gets from making patients smile is the reason he has dedicated 31 years of his life to the NHS.

Martin Blow originally came for work experience at Pilgrim Hospital, Boston, when he was just 19 years old and has never looked back.

Martin said: “I never envisaged that I would ever be here for this long, but I still enjoy the job and the challenges. I love being a part of a great team and being able to have a positive impact on patient experience. If I can make them smile then it makes my day, it’s the reason why I come to work.”

Peter ‘Snowy’ Quinlan

An 84-year-old hospital porter says he has no plans to stop working as he enjoys helping patients so much.

Peter ‘Snowy’ Quinlan originally came to work at Lincoln County Hospital for three months and is still transporting patients around the site 23 years later. He not only brightens up the day for patients, but also NHS colleagues that he meets throughout his shift.

Peter said: “I really love it, especially being part of such a great team. I love the bond we have and all of the banter. It is so lovely and a privilege to be able to put able to talk to patients and be able to put a smile on their faces during what is often a really worrying or stressful time. As a team we will always do our best.”

Laurence Wells

A hospital chef has dedicated 49 years of his life caring for others. Laurence Wells (65) is about to celebrate his 49th anniversary of working in the NHS. He started as a trainee cook when he was just 16 years old at St George’s Hospital in Lincoln.

Laurence’s uncle was among the first male nurses in the country at Lincoln County Hospital. His aunt was also nurse in Lincolnshire. Laurence now works in the kitchens at Lincoln County Hospital alongside his nephew and a cousin. So looking after others clearly runs in his family.

At one point in his career Laurence was a diet chef. This meant he had his own kitchen in the hospital and would personally prepare food for patients with diabetes and other conditions that can be directly affected by food. He was also a night cook for a time making sure that hot breakfasts were ready for patients and staff every morning.

Laurence works alongside Team Leader Patricia Hopkins who he first trained as a cook 42 years ago.

Laurence said: “Food is an important part of a patient’s recovery. We give them the food they need to get better. I honestly don’t know where the time has gone. I would love to still be here for my 50th anniversary, even if I am working part time.

“There have been so many changes over the years with equipment and locations, but at the heart of it all is our patients and that is why we all do what we do.”

Lynn Davies

Name, job title and organisation

Hello, my name is Lynn, I work for the Stamford adult community mental health team, Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT).

When did you start in the NHS?

I have worked in NHS services for just over 45 years now, I started as a domestic assistant aged 16.

Why did you choose to work in the NHS?

I never wanted to work anywhere else! This was in a large 500 bedded hospital near my home, progressing toward orderly, then to nursing assistant, my job title has changed but my role has stayed the same, to support people to be as well as they can be through their journey to recovery from mental illness, or to remain well at home.

Describe what you do in 100 words

With a multi-disciplinary team behind me, I have plenty of helpful tools, experience, and advice to give.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy seeing positive changes and recovery in service users with our support and input.

I followed my late mother into the NHS, she did over 30 years in mental health, my son has had the opportunity to gain his nursing qualification/registration, through LPFT, achieving his BSc first class honours degree at Lincoln university, as an in-service opportunity, (amazing opportunity).

What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?

Working in our NHS will provide endless opportunities to help others and to progress your career if you choose to.

How would you describe the NHS in one word?

My one word for the NHS would have to be: quintessential! I am proud to work in our amazing NHS!

Jane Dalton

Three generations of one family have cared for patients at Pilgrim Hospital, Boston.

Jane Dalton has worked in the NHS for 49years and still loves her job as a Labour ward coordinator/midwife.

Caring for others clearly runs in Jane’s family as her mum Molly Dalton, started her training as a state registered nurse at the inception of the National Health Service in 1948 and was a sister in A&E before she retired at 63. Jane’s daughter Robyn has also followed in her footsteps and is a deputy ward manager on the Maternity Ward.

Jane said: “Based on admiration, respect and a value in having a worthwhile career, my choice of career was always to follow in my mum’s footsteps.”

Jane started her orthopaedic nurse training at age seventeen, followed by registered nurse training, qualifying in 1978. She later qualified as a midwife in 1981.

Jane added: “Over 40 years later I remain an integral part of the team as a labour ward co-ordinator. Despite this being one of the hardest, challenging and most responsible roles, my enthusiasm and love for the many aspects of the profession has not diminished. It continues to bring fulfilment and pride to impart knowledge and practice skills to student midwives, peers and within the obstetric team.”

Jane says midwifery practice today is not comparable to the early phase of her career, a time when record keeping was written and minimal, new mums remained on the ward to rest for six days and guidelines were sparse, if not non-existent. Babies would also stay in the nursery at night so their mums could have a full night’s sleep.

Jane said: “I can still envisage sitting with the lights dimmed in the hospital nursery, the smell of formula milk and staff knitting. Midwives of today are in a medicalised profession with most women having cannulas, intravenous therapy, continuous monitoring, along with high rates of induction of labour, caesarean section, gestational diabetes, high body mass index and complex medical conditions, to name but a few.

“Midwifery has certainly moved from being a career of art to a career of science. Adapting to change is inevitable.”

Jane now works part-time and admits that she has difficulty in thinking about retirement.

She said: “This has been not only a lifelong profession, but a passion too. When I eventually do retire, I hope that will be my legacy, along with my proudest legacy – the caring, competent and kindest clinical midwife who has followed in my footsteps, my daughter.”

Wendy Ashford

An administrator says she has no plans to retire, despite working in the NHS for 48 years.

Wendy Ashford, a waiting list co-ordinator for general surgery at Lincoln County Hospital, says she is proud to work for the NHS and loves being part of such an amazing team.

Wendy first started working for the NHS in Lancashire when she was 19 years old. From being a typist in the purchasing department, to a secretary in the domestic services department, a histopathology secretary in the path lab and now in her current role, Wendy says she wouldn’t change a thing about her career.

Wendy said: “I moved to Lincolnshire in 2015 to be closer to my grandchildren. I started my current job on a temporary basis and it was the best thing I ever did.

“I now get to be closer to family, I can help with looking after my grandchildren and I also get to work as part of a brilliant team.

“It is tough, especially after the pandemic. It had a massive impact and we are all working so hard to make sure our patients get their operations as soon as possible. It is a real team effort and we will get there.

“I love working for the NHS, I must do to still be here after 48 years. It really helps being part of such a fantastic team. I think that’s what keeps me going and why I still hope to be here for a bit longer yet.”

Eileen Price

A 73-year-old catering assistant who first started working for the NHS in 1970 says she hopes to keep serving patients and staff in a hospital restaurant for many years to come.

Eileen Price began her career within the medical records department at Boston General Hospitals. After raising her family she returned in 1988 to work in the Pantry Café at the front of the hospital for a few years, before transferring to the hospital restaurant team.

Eileen even got to meet King Charles during a Royal visit before his accession to the throne.

Eileen, who is also a grandmother, said: “I have so many wonderful memories from meeting the King, to being carried out of the Pantry Café by a gorilla and the hours I spent during the early days refilling all of the salt, pepper and vinegar pots at the end of service. Times can be tough, but we always work together and we always have a laugh.”

Rowena Smalley

Rowena may be a familiar face around Boston, Lincolnshire as she has worked at Pilgrim General Hospital for 40 years in nursing and midwifery. She celebrates the NHS 75th Birthday with us, sharing her story.

One family – 75 Years of Midwifery