Ebenezer Kobina Drokow

Business graduate Ebenezer Kobina Drokow joined the NHS earlier this year as a Trainee Clinical Support Worker on a major trauma ward at Leeds General Infirmary. He describes the healthcare training he received, the demands of his role caring for patients and explains how a distressing event in his personal life led to him changing career to work for the NHS.

‘My interview in April this year took place online. I was very happy to be considered for the job and delighted when I gained a place on a training course at St James Hospital in Leeds in June. That lasted four weeks and I was introduced to the 15 standards in healthcare to help me qualify and execute duties as a support worker. The learning facilitators made the training enjoyable and memorable because I still remember everything we did each day.

‘The training was well structured with regular homework in addition to the theory and practical sessions. The quality of the information prepared me mentally by showing real-ward scenarios. I qualified to be a Trainee Clinical Support Worker and was so excited with that achievement. When I was given my uniform and badge it felt as if I was dreaming – I couldn’t imagine it.

‘I was assigned to a major trauma ward and it wasn’t easy for the first week, so I gave myself a week to fully adjust and, thanks to all my colleagues, I soon came to enjoy my duties on ward. They took time to show me practically all that I had been taught during my training and that support continues now.

‘My principal duties and responsibilities include checking the blood pressure of my patients, providing personal care, turning patients to prevent pressure sores, and checking the blood sugar of patients diagnosed with diabetes. Although it’s not part of my duties, I also sing and dance for my patients because they sometimes need it! I’m really happy when patients, who couldn’t walk or doing anything for themselves, go home, with their families, fit and with smiles on their faces. That alone makes me feel fulfilled because I contributed to their recovery.’

Earlier in his career Ebenezer qualified as a Bachelor of Commerce in Procurement and Supply Chain Management at the University of Cape Coast, in Ghana, and he worked as a senior procurement officer. However, in March this year, he decided to change his career following the emotional impact of his mother’s death in an accident.

‘I saw the need to care for others to prevent the pain my siblings and I went through,’ Ebenezer explains. ‘I saw the need to be there for others and to care for them in their worst moment. I believe doing that will save a life and will bring smiles to the faces of families and the community at large.’

Reflecting on his new career direction as an NHS Clinical Support Worker at Leeds General Infirmary, he adds: ‘There is an opportunity to build a career to enter any field of interest in the NHS. Only the sky is your limit. The NHS will provide you with the necessary training and education to care for and support patients.’