Can you tell us your job title?
“So I am Matron, Recruitment, Retention and OSCE Programme Lead… It’s quite a long title!
Why do you love working and living in Weston?
Weston General Hospital is a very small hospital and that’s what makes us unique! We have a common theme throughout the division, and there is a real feel of family and community. Here I have experienced that you are never just a number in this division. Once you join the team, in a short space of time you make lots of friends and everyone knows you wherever you go. I love living in a seaside town, it’s not busy like noisy other cities. We’re surrounded by greenery and the countryside. I love Weston; it’s very calm and quiet.
Tell us about your career history
I’ve worked in Weston now for over 19 years. I started my career as an adaptation student, then went onto D, E and F grade. I then moved into a ward manager role and developed my career from there. Currently, I work as a Clinical Matron for Care of the Elderly and the Stroke Unit. Alongside that I am the Recruitment and Retention lead for the Weston division and an OSCE programme lead. I have been a health care professional for over 25 years, with experience in multiple specialties including Endocrinology, Respiratory and Gastroenterology. Prior to my current role, I served as the lead for Workforce and Safe Staffing for around 2 years. The experiences I had during this period inspired me to launch the ‘International Recruitment Programme’ in Weston 2 years ago. I felt like I was uniquely qualified to implement this programme, being an overseas nurse myself. I came into this country as a single person, now I’m settled down with my family and I’ve made so many friends along the way. I knew I had a deeper understanding of the experience, learnings and situations that international nurses face during the hiring, training, and integration within the NHS – that’s the reason I went into recruitment and retention.
Can you tell us your proudest moment at Weston?
One of my proudest achievements was when I became a band 7 ward manager. I couldn’t believe it; at that point I never thought I would go through that pathway. I just thought I’d come here, do my work as a registered nurse and that would be it. I never thought I would do something like this, but when I stepped onto that career ladder I felt like I wanted to go further! More recently I have received high commendation for the Inspiring and Inclusion category at the National BAME Health and Care 2020 Awards. That was an incredibly proud moment.
What’s your favourite thing to do in Weston in your spare time?
I absolutely love walking with my family and friends: in the countryside, the woodlands and Brean Down. There are so many places to explore around Weston-super-Mare.
Finally, what do you think of the Weston recruitment film?
I think it’s great! I’ve had so many emails from people who’ve watched it, with lots of them asking me ‘how much did they pay you!?’ It feels good to show people what Weston is made of and what it could be for others.”
We’d like to give a massive thank you again to Melody and her lovely family for helping us create this recruitment film.
