What was the highlight of the past week? A compliment paid to me by arespected colleague: "Why are the NHS letting you go? Enthusiastic,passionate people with your knowledge and expertise are what they need."Another lovely moment was helping a mother and baby on the ward. Imaintain my nursing registration as I enjoy the caring and the contactkeeps me grounded.
What qualifications do you need to do your job? Managers andcommissioners in the NHS need qualifications in management and business.They then learn about the service area or portfolio they hold, althoughsome have a professional background and have acquired management skills.Consultancy requires much of the same, plus confidence.
How did you start working with children? I always wanted to work withchildren. I decided I wanted to nurse them rather than teach them, so Idid the combined adult and children nurse training.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? The most frustrating partof working in children's services in the NHS is that not everyone sharedmy values. If we get healthcare right with children we breed healthieradults who hopefully have a more responsible attitude about their ownhealth. Children do not feature highly on the NHS agenda.
What advice would you give others wanting to do this kind of work? Keepan open mind and learn from every experience. Don't get drawn intopolitics and keep a sense of humour.
What projects or challenges would you like to take on in the future? Iam excited about consultancy work and still have a wish to improve carefor children. So in my new capacity I'd like to make a contribution andput my extensive skills to good use.
