Lisa Morgan

Lisa Morgan is a Healthcare Support Worker for paediatric congenital surgery at Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.  

She started her career at 18 years old as an auxiliary nurse at the Freeman Hospital, and after 11 years, Lisa left to work in the palliative care team out in the Newcastle community. 

A change in career direction then led her into teaching where she taught in a primary school for seven years. Once her own children grew up she knew she wanted to return to nursing which was her true passion. 

“I wanted to take my skills that I have gained over many years and work somewhere that I had never experienced before,” Lisa says. “This led to me returning to the Freeman Hospital in cardiothoracic theatres.” 

She returned to the Freeman Hospital in 2016 and became the family-centred care lead for caring for patients, and their families, coming to theatre for open-heart surgery. 

“Making a real difference to our patients’ health – in some cases this is ‘life or death’. Being part of that journey is very humbling and a reminder that we only live once and should cherish every moment,” Lisa says.  

For Lisa coming back to the Freeman felt like ‘coming home where she belonged’, enabling her to finish her career at the hospital where it all started. 

“I was, and still am, passionate to make a change for the better and with the support and belief from my team it has enabled me to flourish at work and inspire a team.” 

Lisa has been recognised for her innovation, dedication and compassion, and was awarded a Chief Nursing Officer for England Healthcare Support Workers awards in the category Commitment to Quality of Care.  

“I was awarded the healthcare support worker (HCSW) winner for the National RCNi Nursing award in 2019 for improving our service and the positive impact it has made for our families. 

“I created a training package for staff to educate them on the importance of family-centred care and support them to meet the emotional and psychological needs of patients and carers. 

“I also developed communication aids that give patients and carers vital information to help alleviate concerns, including an electronic book that translates information into different languages.” 

Lisa now hopes to inspire others into a similar career.  

“I have been blessed to work alongside so many amazing people during my career who taught and influenced me to become the person I am today. 

“I hope I can show my peers that you can achieve anything if you put your mind and passion towards your goal. Teaching new skills and watching our students, Operating Department Practitioners and Healthcare Support Workers grow into their role is fantastic for our future generations working in our Geordie trust!” 

Lisa also featured in the most recent series of Geordie Hospital on Channel 4. 

She adds: “I’m very honoured and can hopefully be an inspiration to our future generations within our wonderful NHS and be proud to be a Geordie!”