Hello my name is…  Qusva or “Q” Ilyas.  I am the youngest of all my siblings, an auntie to four, officially. Unofficially about 15 and counting! So my wage tends to be spent on treats and travelling. I have travelled to over 15 countries. 

What is your position?  

My new position will be Matron for Head and Neck services within the Surgical division…which officially starts on the 1st of March 2018.  

Summarise your career background

My nursing career started after completing my studies from The University of Manchester in the Emergency Department at Airedale hospital in 2010 where I worked for four years.  From there I moved to the Huddersfield Royal Emergency Department where I had the opportunity to work in a Band 6 secondment role.  In 2015 I then transferred to the Calderdale Ophthalmology department as a Band 6 team leader which after a very quick year transformed into the Band 7 cross-site nurse manager… And then exactly a year later I now am very honoured to be starting my Matron role!

What is the highlight of your career so far?

Going from a health care assistant to matron in the space of seven years! All the high and low experiences, diverse people and inspiring leaders I have come across have taught me lots of valuable lessons.

Sum up your role in three words

Challenging However Rewarding

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

An interior designer!

Who is your hero/heroine and why?

Hero – my dad. His whole life has revolved around his family and children.  He will never know how his selflessness motivated, inspired and influenced us.  

Heroine – Fadumo Dayib - She came from very humble beginnings to now being an expert in public health and an award-winning activist.  If you get a chance to read her story please do.

When you are not at work how do you relax?

Gym

What is your favourite place?

Rome

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I used to be a synchronised swimmer

Twitter or Facebook?

Facebook although I have been told I should start tweeting!

The NHS is 70 next year. How does that make you feel?

Very young!!....but seriously very proud to be part of a service recognised by the whole world.