Gail joins us us from Leeds Teaching Hospital as our new Deputy Head of Midwifery and has nothing but praise for the warm welcome she's had at CHFT.

 

“I’ve noticed coming from a larger organisation that the relationships here are much tighter. It makes such a difference. Just a simple thing like having a coffee with the Chief Executive would never have happened at Leeds.

 

"I’ve had nothing but a warm welcome. Everyone is so friendly and helpful – but I knew that’s what it would be like after my interview. I enjoyed it so much I just knew I wanted to work at CHFT – there wasn’t a moment of hestitation when I was offered the role".

 

Gail has worked for the NHS for 28 years, starting in orthopaedic nursing before training to be a midwife.

 

Read more about Gail…

 

Hello my name is…  Gail

I started working at CHFT on the 1st August. I have received a wonderful warm welcome from my colleagues and I have thoroughly enjoyed networking with the wider team at CHFT in my first month.  I live with my partner in a village in Wakefield so it’s a steady 45 minute drive to work providing plenty of planning and thinking time. I have 2 wonderful cockapoo dogs that greet me after work called Missy and Peanut who always put a smile on my face.   

 

What is your position?

Deputy Head of Midwifery

 

Tell us about your career background?

A nurse for over 20 years working in orthopaedics, British aerospace as an occupational health nurse and training as a midwife in the early 90’s. I worked in all areas as a student midwife and since qualifying my expertise developed in Intrapartum care I introduced a water birth service in my previous organisation back in the day.  I also trained as an instrumental practitioner and conducted forceps and ventouse deliveries until I took up a management post within intrapartum care. 
 

What are the best bits about your job?

Engaging with women and staff to move the service forward
 

What is the highlight of your career so far?

Attaining my masters in leadership and management it was very hard work whilst working full-time

 

Sum up your role in three words?

Makes me smile

 

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

Either a hairdresser or a share trader
 

Who is your hero/heroine and why?

My Dad- looking back at my life he demonstrated unconditional love for me every day of his life that I believe led me to be a confident and caring adult
 

When you are not at work how do you relax?

I am fortunate to own a motorhome so I have plenty of weekends away around the country relaxing to achieve a work life balance
 

What is your favourite place?

France

 

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I am very good at driving a 3 ton digger which I have done several times whilst renovating my garden