Staff news
As well as welcoming Theresa Sullivan to the LJMC, we are delighted that some other familiar faces are joining the permanent team here.
Jill Ricks has moved ‘over the road’ from Marie Curie Ward as one of our duty healthcare professionals. She’ll be working here on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
After training and working as a nurse, Jill took a break to run a restaurant business with her husband for 18 years.
Six years ago she undertook a Return to Practice course. Jill specialised in oncology and started work at Mount Vernon Hospital on Ward 11, moving to Marie Curie Ward soon after.
Staff shortages at the LJMC over the last few months gave Jill an opportunity to help out here so when a permanent vacancy arose she was first in line with her application form.
“It’s unusual to be able to try out a job before you apply,” said Jill, “but it’s a really good way of finding out whether or not you like the place.”
One of the aspects of nursing that Jill enjoys is talking with patients. “The ward is such a busy place,” she said. “There’s just not as much time as we would like to spend with patients, answering questions or listening. Being able to give patients this time at the LJMC feels like a real luxury after working on a ward but really it’s just a part of providing the very best care we can.”
The Counselling team is expanding and we hope to welcome new staff to the team in the autumn.
We welcome Wendy Blewden, Elaine Hunt, Angie Jones and Lynn O’Loughlin who have all successfully completed their induction training to work in the Drop-in centre, strengthening team numbers.
Frank Thompson has joined our band of volunteer supporters and is working with the business team on the forthcoming Manches Moor Park 10k.
And says farewell to...
Katherine Anderson, one of the original members of the LJMC team, retired in March.
Katherine worked as an aromatherapist at Mount Vernon Hospital long before the LJMC was even a twinkle in anyone’s eye.
The opening of the LJMC provided a perfect new job for her and she has worked here since the centre first opened in 1993.
We’re really sorry to see Katherine go but wish her every happiness in her retirement – which already sounds busier than most people’s working week!
Last updated: 22 March, 2011
New LJMC healthcare professional, Jill Ricks
Katherine Anderson
This article first appeared in the Summer 2009 issue of the LJMC newsletter, Open Door.