Terri Hailstone 

Every working day is different. I see a variety of patients with different needs and of all ages. I like the fact I can help care for people in their own homes, building up a rapport with them and their family members. Giving them support to live as independently as possible. I feel that by working alone and having to make decisions it has made me a much more confident person. 

In my role as a Community Support Worker I do a variety of things from leg bandaging, dressings, wound and continence assessment, as well as taking bloods, patient observations and acting on them if they’re out of range. I refer patients to services such as podiatry, physiotherapy, and social services. I assess for and order equipment for patients’ requirements and liaise with patients’ GP practices, the emergency services, or colleagues if I have any concerns over a patient`s health.  

Although I am a lone worker there is always support from my colleagues if I need assistance or advice. I work alongside a lovely bunch of nurses who have supported me greatly through the years. 

Recently, I completed insulin support worker training which allows me to administer insulin to stable type II diabetic patients. This has given me new skills and helps take the strain from the registered nurses. 

I have worked for the NHS since 2017 and prior to that worked in a nursing home for 20 years, from the age of 18. I started as a care assistant, completing my NVQ 2 and 3 in health and social care. I went on to become a senior carer and then a clinical assistant working alongside registered nurses taking blood, helping with dressings and administering medication. Although I loved my job at the nursing home I felt I could do a lot more so decided to apply for the role of Community Support Worker. 

Working for the NHS was the best decision I could have made for my career and would urge anyone who is wanting to progress and learn new skills to join the fabulous team at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. 

I have learnt so many skills in my six years and continue to learn something new every day. In the near future I hope to complete my Nursing degree through the Open University which will allow me to stay in my current role.