Helen joined Newcastle Hospital after qualifying as a nurse in 2008. Before starting her nursing training she was a Healthcare Assistant at Hunter Moor Neurological Hospital so now has almost 22 years NHS service.
Helen’s first role after qualifying was as a dialysis nurse until after around 8 months she saw an advertisement on Ward 21, an ophthalmology ward at the RVI and this is where she’s stayed ever since.
Helen is now the cataract lead at the Trust and oversees the running of the Westgate Road Cataract Centre, supporting patients after they’ve been pre-assessed and making sure that everything runs smoothly.
What made you decide to get into this area of medicine?
During my training I did two nursing placements in ophthalmology, one on ward 20 and the other in ophthalmic theatres so when the role came up I felt like this was something I knew.
What is your favourite part of your work?
My favourite part of my role is all of it to be honest! I have a great job within a great team and I just love what I do for a living.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Outside of work I like socialising, going to the theatre with my friends, going for meals with family and finally spending time with my two new puppies. When the filming took place they were rather young pups but they are now ten months old and completely full of life. They have loads of character but as as two brothers they have completely different personalities.
What would you say to someone interested in progressing a similar career?
If someone was interested in the same career I would say go for it, no hesitation!!
How was the filming?
Initially the filming was a bit nerve wracking as I haven’t done anything like this before, so it initially took me a little while to get used to the camera team following me around but as the day went on you kind of forget they are with you as you automatically went into your nurse role.
When I look back and reflect I think this has been a great opportunity for me to showcase my role and the team I work with as well as our new unit and the great service we provide to the people of the North East. I feel really proud that they chose to come and spend some time with us.
