Join NHS Lothian as we come together to praise, thank and celebrate our much-loved Health and Social Care Support Workers. For the first time, we’re giving everyone a chance to show appreciation and admiration for those who are widely considered to be the bedrock of many wards, departments and community teams.
‘Celebrating Health Care Support Workers Week’ gives staff, patients and the wider public the opportunity to recognise the vital work that these individuals carry out across Lothian.
We’re shining the spotlight on some key staff members at the very heart of our hospitals, surgeries and the wider community.
We caught up with Collette Clark, a Health Care & Treatment Room Assistant at Stockbridge blue practice.
What was your pathway into being a support worker?
I joined the practice in July 2006 as a part time medical receptionist. I developed in that role getting involved in coding, child immunisation and updating GP home visit bags. In June 2010 I successfully applied for the position of Health Care Assistant in the practice. My initial duties were new patient checks, blood tests and BP checks. Over the years my role has expanded and I now carry out Hypertension and Stroke Reviews, deliver flu vaccinations, B12 injections, wound care and most recently I have been heavily involved in administering the rollout of the AstraZeneca COVID vaccination programme to patients over 75 and those who have been “shielding”. I will soon be involved in diabetic reviews carrying out diabetic blood tests and feet checks.
What it’s like being a support worker?
I really love my job, and this is a great practice to work in. The doctors, nurses and admin team are all very supportive and I have been encouraged to develop my role over the years. I would ideally like to be a practice nurse, but do not wish to leave the practice to study. In the future, I hope that there might be a route to practice nursing which is practice based. However, although I support the nursing team, I don’t feel any different in my role from how the registered nurses feel.
What do you love most about the job?
There isn’t one particular thing – I enjoy all aspects of my work. I also love the interaction with the patients. I genuinely love coming to work – I have a great job and great colleagues to work with!
Celebrating Health Care Support Workers Week is taking place from Monday 23 – Sunday 29 August 2021. Keep an eye out on our social channels to find out more.
