Fiona Kaye, pictured right, is proud to be the eldest of three sisters enjoying their careers at CHFT. She's just been promoted to Matron for Operating Services. She hails her colleagues for always rising to the challenges in the NHS and says it's a privilege to care for our patients and their families.
Hello my name is…* Fiona, I’m mum to Alicia 25, James 20 and two year old Jessie the cocker spaniel (the new love of my life). I have to say the kids are my proudest achievement. Alicia is a paediatric nurse currently living in New Zealand and James starts University studying English Literature in September. Having a child live on the other side of the world is not easy however having lived abroad myself in Dubai I’ve very much encouraged it. As my partner Phil will testify to I’m always planning that next trip, a daughter in Oz meant a 3 week campervan trip (how the family laughed as I’m normally a 5 star lass) that took us from Melbourne to Brisbane with all Oz has to offer on the way! I’m a Yorkshire girl born and bred and proud to be so – just wishing the sun would shine more often over the Holme Valley it then would be the perfect place.
What is your position?
Newly-appointed Matron for Operating Services
Summarise your career background
So far long, rewarding and exciting. Apart from 2 years in Hull I’ve worked for the Trust for a considerable time. I started my career in critical care as a staff nurse and then sister in both Intensive Care Units and then Outreach. The last 12 years I have been the manager for the Surgical Pre-operative assessment department and Admission unit. Along the way I have had the privilege to care for some amazing patients and families often in the worst of circumstances. What’s kept me at CHFT are the staff . No matter how tough it gets - and the NHS has changed beyond recognition - their hard work and dedication to patient care makes this a great place to work.
What is the highlight of your career so far?
Can I have two? Firstly with the hard work of all the team, being able to establish and develop a Pre-operative Service across the Trust to be proud of and secondly being appointed as Matron – I can’t wait to get started!
Sum up your role in three words
A new challenge
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Always a nurse
Who is your hero/heroine and why?
This is the question I dreaded. I honestly don’t have one however, through life, I have met lots of inspiring people and I’m very grateful to them..
When you are not at work, how do you relax?
Prosecco, dog walking and yoga. Oh, and I love a spa day !
What is your favourite place?
Anywhere sunny with loved ones!
What would people be surprised to know about you? CHFT is a real family affair. I’m the eldest of three girls and we all work here – Stephanie Jones is PA to the chief nurse and Georgina Turner is a research Sister – and I'm proud to be their big Sis.
Twitter/Facebook? Neither but I do love Instagram
* 23rd July was International Hello My Name Is day - marking the anniversary that Dr Kate Granger (who visited our Trust with her pioneering campaign) died. Both her books are available for staff and students to borrow at our library at CRH. And you can read more about her work here.