Debbie's story

What made you choose a career at Spire Healthcare?

Fresh from college, as an AMSPAR qualified Medical Secretary I wished to seek a position where I could support consultants and patients throughout their treatment journey. At Spire Healthcare, medical secretaries see the whole patient journey from initial referral, consultation, investigations, surgery, follow up and discharge. Many healthcare positions may only support a patient during one step of their patient journey, however providing continuity of care and contact for each individual patient was something which really appealed to me.

Tell us a bit about the team you work with?

At Spire, we are a holistic team working together to provide personalised care for our patients, in a clean environment, where safety is our highest priority.

I would say it’s much more like an extended family. I could honestly reel off the names of colleagues / friends across numerous departments within the hospital, along with how I know them and how they have supported me over the years. No matter the enquiry or support needed, the wards, catering team, admin teams, nursing staff, theatre technicians, physios, pharmacists etc; we all share a common interest ‘making a positive difference to people’s lives through outstanding personalised care’ and will do anything to support each other.

How have the flexible working hours impacted you?

Spire Healthcare has always been flexible and compassionate around working hours. More recently, my little boy started primary school and the worries as a working professional, juggling school runs, class performances and deadlines for events or monthly reports was overwhelming.

However, the support and opportunity of flexible working hours took a huge weight off my shoulders. I now have the option to work from home, or the office. I’m also able to work extended hours one day to enable me to attend a reading assembly at school the next. I don’t have to choose between a career or family; with the work life-balance provided by Spire Healthcare, I can have both!

Tell us about your career progression at Spire?

I joined Spire Norwich Hospital in 2000 as a Medical Secretary, this was an interesting role supporting patients through their treatment journey. I was lucky to work with a wonderful team and worked in a variety of specialties gaining a greater knowledge and understanding of each treatment offered by our expert consultants. In 2005 I was appointed Team Leader of the medical secretaries, and to further support my career progression I was enlisted on a six month management programme with time allocated to study – this was funded by the hospital. It was a wonderful opportunity to further my career whilst fulfilling my new role.

In 2008 I was offered a complete career change by joining the Business Development Team covering maternity leave. This widened my scope immensely with further training on website development, event planning and running and producing marketing material for the hospital, to name just a few of the responsibilities within this position. This was a challenge and stretched my comfort zone, however, with continued support and guidance, I thrived in the new role and remained in the position for a further three years.

Career change

In 2011 a completely new role within the hospital was introduced, Primary Care Liaison. This was a position to support healthcare professionals in the community with continued learning, information on the services and treatments available for private patients and being a point of contact at the hospital, amongst a whole list of other activities. A further career development opportunity with additional training provided, I continue to the current day in this role – however, with another promotion to Hub Primary Care Relationship Manager, overseeing and supporting Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital in addition to the day to day responsibilities at Spire Norwich Hospital.

Spire has a real ethos for ‘growing their own’, believing in individuals and supporting them through numerous career paths to enhance their skill set – for both personal and professional development!

I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without the support from colleagues and the management team within the hospital; 24 years’ service and I'm proud to be part of the Spire family!