Bringing “Care” to Healthcare

I began my career 21 years ago as a registered nurse because I wanted to help people. Now, my mission remains the same, but my impact is much broader.

My Mission Hasn’t Changed

As Clinical Lead for Sodexo Healthcare in UK and Ireland & General Manager at South West London & St. George’s Trust in London, I wear two hats. On a day-to-day basis, I manage the team on-the-ground at the hospital. I also consult with all teams in the region, helping them improve the patient journey through service improvements.

It was the scope of the role that first attracted me to Sodexo in 2014. I was drawn by the opportunity to create change across multiple hospitals. By that time, I’d been in clinical roles with the UK’s National Health System for 15 years and had worked my way up to a ward matron (manager) at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital in Manchester, and eventually facilities matron at Central Manchester University Hospital.

A Leap of Faith

In nursing you have a choice between the clinical or managerial paths. I went the managerial route. Joining Sodexo was a leap of faith, but there were many skills that transferred. For instance, when you are a ward matron, you manage a budget and staff, just like you do as a manager with Sodexo Healthcare.

I absolutely love what I do, but I never imagined that I’d be in this job when I first started out. That’s why I tell people not to pigeonhole themselves. There are so many different paths you can take in the healthcare industry.

The Translator

What I love most about my current role is that I’m a sort of conduit or translator with our clients, the “gel” between the clinical and facilities management teams. Because I held the jobs of ward nurse and facilities matron, I understand our clients and the pressures they face.

I can intuitively integrate Sodexo’s food and facilities management services with the clinical side to make our clients’ and patients’ lives better. And now I have a chance to do that for all the hospitals in Sodexo’s portfolio across the UK and Ireland. When it all “clicks,” it’s beautiful.

Changing Lives

Healthcare can be one of the most challenging jobs, but also the most rewarding. For example, South West London & St. George’s is a 350-bed hospital for patients suffering from mental illness. Our 130-member team interacts with patients and their families every day, and these human interactions can be very meaningful. Whether cleaning rooms or serving healthy meals, our employees can make a real difference in someone’s day.

Sometimes it can be difficult, because patients might not be feeling well, and they’d rather be home with their loved ones. Just as often it’s extremely satisfying, because they are grateful for the kindness shown by our staff.

It’s an incredible feeling to know that you’ve spent your day helping others. That’s why most caregivers enter this profession. If you are willing to give something of yourself to impact how a person feels, then this is the career for you.