HB heard from some of those working at NHSPS about their careers, what has changed since they started and what working in the NHS means to them
Janice Bentham
Estates coordinator | Joined NHS in 2008
Janice’s journey with the NHS has spanned two significant chapters in her career, reflecting her passion for making a difference in people’s lives. Janice’s initial encounter with the NHS began shortly after completing her A Levels. She joined a bustling GP Practice in Salford, a deprived area of Greater Manchester. Initially intending to work there only for the summer while awaiting her studies in Home Economics at Salford University, Janice quickly fell in love with the role. The allure of working for Good Housekeeping Magazine in the field of diet and nutrition took a back seat as she embraced her position wholeheartedly. This unexpected love for her job led her to stay for an incredible 10 years, foregoing her university plans.
In 2008, an opportunity presented itself, drawing Janice back into the NHS after her time in facilities management. Janice joined NHSPS, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and experience. For Janice, the best aspect of working in the NHS is the people. This encompasses both the colleagues she collaborates with and the individuals she serves through her work. The opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives is a rewarding and fulfilling experience that motivates Janice every day.
Throughout her journey in the NHS, Janice has learned valuable lessons. She emphasises the importance of listening to others, practicing patience, and treating individuals with the same kindness and respect she would expect for herself. Over the years, Janice has witnessed substantial changes within the NHS. From the absence of computers when she first started to the current emphasis on customer service and improving patient care, the evolution has been profound. Within NHSPS, the focus has shifted beyond bricks and mortar to understanding how the condition of buildings impacts patient care and the delivery of services by the wider NHS.
The NHS holds a special place in Janice’s heart. As a user of NHS services herself, she deeply appreciates its accessibility and availability. Whether picking up the phone or walking down the high street, the NHS is always there, offering support during life’s most challenging times. Janice believes in making the NHS the best it can be through the collective efforts of individuals in their daily lives, ensuring exceptional care for all.
Matt Willis
Chef | 20 Years in the NHS
Matt’s journey with the NHS began unexpectedly. After a period of unemployment, he seized an opportunity through an agency and found himself at Clacton Hospital, ready to contribute to the team. Recognising his talent and dedication, the hospital offered him a contract as a pot wash boy, which became the stepping stone for him to pursue his passion for cooking and become a self-taught chef.
When asked about his favourite aspect of working for the NHS, Matt’s answer is clear: bringing smiles to patients’ faces and ensuring their hospital stay is as pleasant as possible. Through his culinary creations, he has the privilege of making a positive impact on patients’ lives. Matt cherishes the heart-warming moments when patients light up with joy, particularly on special occasions like Christmas, where he takes pride in preparing a delicious roast turkey meal.
Reflecting on the changes he has witnessed since joining the NHS, Matt highlights the profound impact of the pandemic. The outbreak of Covid-19 emphasised the importance of maintaining rigorous cleanliness and adhering to strict procedures.
Notably, Matt achieved a personal goal he had nurtured since his early teens - acquiring his own chef’s jacket. His self-taught journey paved the way for him to become the first-ever chef apprentice in NHSPS. Currently, he is on track to successfully complete his apprenticeship this September.
The NHS holds immense significance in Matt’s life, extending beyond his professional endeavours. His family shares a deep connection with the NHS, as both his sisters are dedicated healthcare professionals, his mother works as a receptionist at a GP surgery, and his mother-in-law serves as a nurse in the community. Furthermore, the NHS has played a vital role in saving the lives of his loved ones, including his brother and nephew who overcame meningitis, and another nephew who triumphed over serious complications at birth. For Matt, the NHS symbolises an invaluable service that has positively impacted countless lives throughout the country.
Celebrating 50 years at the NHS Meet NHSPS chef, Irene Wallace, the Lancashire lass who simply can’t leave
“In June this year, I’ll have worked for the NHS for 50 years. It’s a long time at the same company.
“I’m a chef at Longridge Community Hospital in Preston. I’m so lucky to have found my niche and was able to have a happy working life.
“These days I only work on Mondays, though I sometimes stand in for colleagues. I still love it – especially the baking!
“I started off as a kitchen assistant in a small psychiatric hospital. I heard about the vacancy, applied, and got the job. That’s how it happened then; it’s different now. I worked part-time because of my two young boys. (We had childcare issues back then too!)
“I officially retired in 2001 aged 62. (Now you’ll be able to work out my age!) I had a huge party and they even wrote about me in the local rag.
But I just couldn’t leave. I said I’d go when I was 70. Then at 80. I suppose it’ll have to be 90 now! Every winter I say I’ll leave in the spring, so I can do more gardening and DIY. But spring comes and goes, and I’m still here.
“I’m blessed to be healthy and happy at 84 and still being useful in the workplace. But when I feel I can’t keep up, I’ll leave. I’m forthright and speak my mind. But I don’t think I’ve ever offended anyone. I’ve got on with everyone.
Why do I love the NHS? I suppose it’s all about the people. It’s always been like family to me. It’s given me a job I’ve been happy to go to every single day. I’ve made lifelong friends and I’ve learnt so much: things like tolerance, patience, and kindness.
“My NHSPS family calls me ‘Mum’, so I suppose I am a bit of a matriarch! (At least they don’t call me Grandma – even though I’ve got four grandchildren and two great grandchildren!)
I’ve never met any stars, royalty, or had any glittering career highlights. There’s no celebrity chef I look up to, or fancy cookbook I want to own. You may think my journey has been ordinary. That’s not the case.
“I can say that I’ve done my best. No one can do more than that. I’ve never shied away from hard work or clock watched. I’ve put my head down and contributed in my own small, but honest, way.
“So much has changed over 50 years. Everything has changed. And I’ve been a part of that. I’m as proud of the NHS/NHSPS today as I was when I started. “