How long have you worked at CHFT? Jacqui – 13 years 10 months. Jan – 13 years 2 months – When I (Jacqui) came to the unit there was only one other Admin Team member, and then six months later Jan joined the Team.

What was your role? Both – Endoscopy Secretary/Administrator

What has your time been like at CHFT? – Both – It’s been busy and very varied.  We’ve been instrumental in formatting the Admin side of Endoscopy here at CRH, devising and bringing in new protocols for all aspects of the service as we’ve grown and different systems, targets etc. have been brought in.  We’ve worked closely with the Nursing team to ensure that we provide the best possible service to them to enable smooth running of the sessions.  Until about three years ago both Endoscopy units were completely separate until the implementation of a universal booking system.  One of the biggest challenges we faced was moving from a paper based diary booking system to an electronic one – but one we faced with our usual determination and fortitude.

Any career highlights? – Both – Not exactly a highlight, but a challenge when, about six years ago, we moved into a brand new, purpose built unit.  Moving from our cubby hole within the Day Procedure unit on the third floor to our new home on the lower ground floor was interesting.  We swapped our Secretarial garb for old tee-shirts and jeans whilst we manhandled every item of furniture and paperwork from our old home to our new one (with  muscle provided by the porters). All done with just a day of our normal service affected.  Even moving home doesn’t affect patient service.  It was funny though when the pictures of the opening event where published hardly any members of the actual endoscopy team were on them, just all the dignitaries and other users that came along.  The rest of the team were exhausted after all the hard work.

What has your department been like? – Both – We work with a great team, both Admin and nursing and we’re going to miss them.  Being here so long we’ve seen plenty come and go, but there are still a few that were here when we started that we haven’t worn out yet.

What are your plans once you have retired? – Both –  Really looking forward to being able to stay at home on those cold snowy winter mornings.  Filling the days with things that we actually want to do as both our husbands are already retired.  Spending more time with family and perhaps some travel to far flung destinations.