Gwent Health Staff, then and now
As part of the NHS75 celebrations, we've reflected on some of our Long Service Award holders and memories shared with us from various departments of the health board. Further photos kindly sourced from Chaplaincy and Estates & Facilities.
We can celebrate successes and learn to enhance the future by sharing our stories with one another. It is invaluable towards connection with each other, knowledge and understanding of other roles.
Rhiannon Hobbs
What started your career?
I had been interested in health and social injustice from a young age, but couldn't articulate at that time. That some people had an advantage over others
What are your most proud memories through your career?
Passing my nursing finals becoming a Registered General Nurse (RGN) , and the master in public health (MPH). Looking after my patients on the surgical unit, mentoring students', junior colleague's, supporting my senior nurses and team. In public health helping people to quit smoking, and supporting vaccine in equity during the pandemic, vaccinating those that do not routinely come forward to receive health care, marginalised groups and people who experience homelessness.
What has been the most rewarding thing?
Making a small difference to people's lives either by looking after them to high standard post operatively, helping them to quit smoking or enabling access to vaccines where people may struggle to get to routine appointments
What would you say to people starting out in your career?
If you are interested talk to people and try things out and never underestimate what you can achieve
Anything else you would like to say?
Thanks to all my friends and colleagues throughout who have supported me.
Cindy Haskell
What started your career?
I always wanted to be a nurse as far back as I can remember. I had an aunty who was a nurse who must have influenced me at some point. I remember going to college from school to do a “pre-nursing” course and from there I worked in a residential home on a Youth Opportunity Scheme” earning £25 a week. I worked in a sewing factory after the six months when the course completed while I waited to start my nurse training in UHW in July 1983. It will be 40 years next month I started the journey.
What are your most proud memories through your career?
There are many I suppose. Just holding the title of “nurse” defines me as a person which I am proud of. I started off as a State Enrolled Nurse so converting to a state registered nurse was an achievement and memory. Always wanting to be a District Nurse which I also achieved and then passing a community nursing degree which I never thought I would do as I always see myself as a practical person and not an academic. I went to India on placement during my degree and was proud of the small difference I was able to make with a team of other nurses at the time, which was not long after the Sumarni had happened.
I am still friends today with six amazing nurses I met back in 1983 and we are still making wonderful memories to this day who have also influenced and shaped me to who I am today.
What has been the most rewarding thing?
To love the job and remain passionate and strive to do my best every day I go to work. Supporting others as much as I possibly can from patients and their families to my colleagues or those I might meet outside of the job. Making a difference.
What would you say to people starting out in your career?
To enjoy it as much as you possibly can as it can be sad, lonely difficult and stressful. Always question what is being asked to do and think about the rationale of why we do what we do. There are so many opportunities within the NHS so during training take the opportunities given to gain as much knowledge and skills as you can and remember nursing is lifelong learning.
Anything else you would like to say?
I feel lucky, proud and blessed to be a nurse and there are many colleagues I have met along the way who encouraged me to grow professionally as a nurse and as a person. Sr. Delyth Jones who was a ward sister in Cardiff Royal Infirmary back in the 1980’s who always inspired me and led by example and someone I have never forgotten. I recently seen her at a party as she has since retired but continues to do voluntary work. I shared my feelings with her, and she was touched and slightly overwhelmed by what I had said to her.