“The people I work with are wonderful. Words can’t describe how in awe I am of how they face every day with such strength and kindness. The pandemic continues to be taxing on all involved, yet they continue to push forward.”
As part of our support to the NHS during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, Amber Young has temporarily swapped her role as a Personal Trainer at our Fitness and Wellbeing Centre in Aylesbury to work in a family liaison role in the oncology unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, part of Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust. Amber tells us about how she is getting on.
Amber, why did you choose to support the NHS?
I love to help! The NHS teams are doing incredible work for us all and continue to face physically, emotionally and mentally taxing days. If I can help ease that pressure in any way then that’s enough reason for me.
Tell us about the role you are doing? What do you enjoy about your role with the NHS?
I have been redeployed to assist in the Cancer Care and Haematology Unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital (part of Buckinghamshire Health NHS Trust), helping in a family liaison role, greeting visitors. I also help with admin and small jobs wherever I can. I currently help with this 09:00-12:00, five days a week. I can honestly say that I’m in awe of the people that I’m working with. There never seems to be enough hours in the day. However, they’re never too busy to answer any questions or to check-in which is appreciated. The unit can be busy every day, but the NHS teams are incredible at their work.
How is your role with the NHS different to your role at Nuffield Health?
My role as Nuffield Health Aylesbury as a Personal Trainer is similar by working as part of a team and by communicating with members of the public. Being able to bring my own personality (with a jolly “hello” in the morning) has been a joy in my role with the NHS. While my daily tasks in the unit are similar every day in the admin and phone calls to patients, every day is a learning curve. I have developed a new perspective.
Is working for the NHS different to what you expected? If so, in what way?
I wasn’t sure what to expect in working for the NHS. I am open-minded and I can certainly sing the praises of the people I work with.
What would you say to someone else at Nuffield Health who is thinking of supporting the NHS?
Have faith and trust the process. Wherever possible, learn and let it be a positive experience in whatever way possible. The circumstances in which the pandemic has altered so many lives and I think it’s important now more than ever to embrace new ways, self-reflect and grow to move forward.
What are the people you are working with like?
The people I work with are wonderful. Words can’t describe how in awe I am of how they face every day with such strength and kindness. The pandemic continues to be taxing on all involved, yet they continue to push forward. The people I have been working with so far could not be more helpful, supportive and welcoming. Walking into a new role and workplace can be daunting, yet they have managed to make me feel so comfortable and part of the team. Thank you to all of them.