Congratulations to newly qualified Staff Nurse, Laura Mattimore, whose #TeamCHFT journey began when she sadly lost her son in 2016.

Laura told us: “In 2016 my son Christopher was born at Halifax hospital, and he died in the same year as he’d been beset with health problems from birth. He was a regular patient on the Children’s Ward, where he shortly became infamous amongst the staff. 

"As I came to terms with his death, I realised I wanted to give something back to the NHS as the care we’d had as a family was amazing. So, the following year, in 2017, I joined the Trust as an Enhanced Care Assistant, as I have a background in dementia.

“A manager approached me and said I’d make a great Trainee Nursing Associate (TNA) and that I should consider applying for a role. Once I’d read more about it, I applied and joined HRI's Ward 6 as a TNA, and in 2021 I became a fully-fledged Nursing Associate.

“Move on a few years and in 2023 I decided I wanted to push myself even further and started a RN Degree Apprenticeship (RDNA) – and here I am today. Ultimately though, Christopher’s death was the motivation for joining the NHS.

“I am indebted to my manager Sarah Bray for her constant support – she’s just been the best manager in my journey.”

We asked Laura for her top tips for anyone considering a similar path.

“You have to be driven and committed to completing the courses. Much of my TNA was carried out during lockdown, so it was practically all online, and much of it still is – which can be great for those with family commitments.

“When I started my journey, I had three children aged 14, 11 and 2-years old, so if I can do it with three kids, anyone can!”

If you’d like to know more about these roles take a look at our Clinical Education Team pages.