Today’s ‘What Do You at DHU’ really highlights what you can set out to achieve if you want to build a career with the NHS111 service at DHU Healthcare.
After nearly 3 years of being with DHU, Debbie Clymer has recently been promoted and is taking on the role of Operational Performance Manager.
Based at our Orbis Advice Centre in Derby, Debbie tells us what motivated her to change careers after many years and shares her insights into how DHU has encouraged her development within her role.
Find out more in the piece below…
"I had a thriving role running a travel app business, but Covid came along and devastated our business overnight. We had to close down and make everyone redundant; it was heartbreaking. As the head of operations, it affected my mental health and shattered my confidence. However, it was this experience that ultimately led me to the NHS111 service during the COVID crisis, where I found a new purpose in serving the community and discovered the power of resilience and adaptability."
“I just said to myself that you know what, there were so many more people that are having a much worse time than me. There were people getting sick every day and our NHS staff were literally risking their lives and it kind of gave me a bit of a reality check.
“It made me think, well, I want to do something. I want to give back. My confidence was so low that I didn't feel that I could come in as a manager, so I applied for a job as a part time health advisor and joined the team.
Debbie was starting over and although she progressed quickly, it was by no means and easy journey, she continued: “My manager at the time, Ella Hancock, was incredibly supportive. She boosted my confidence and encouraged me to apply for a team manager position.
“Even though I was still on probation, another opportunity came up, and she told me to go for it. I didn't think I would get it, but I did. Within nine months of joining DHU, I became a non-clinical performance manager, and Stacey Howard became my manager. Stacey has been an amazing support throughout my journey and encouraged me to further my career by applying for the operational performance manager (OPM) role.
“Now, after just over three years at DHU, I am an OPM. It has been a rapid journey, and I couldn't have done it without the support of my managers and the overall DHU experience.
"Being and OPM is about managing performance on a daily basis and also managing the teams that provide that performance. It's a mix of operational skills and team management skills, ensuring service levels are achieved, targets are met, and the teams feel supported. It's about developing staff, giving them confidence, and protecting our service levels to meet the contracts. It's a numbers job, but also an opportunity to change people's lives within my team and beyond."
“Prior to DHU, I had always worked in the private sector, which often prioritised targets, money, and shareholders. DHU was a life-changing shift for me. The level of support and the time given to develop the team is incredible. That's what I love most about DHU—seeing my team grow and succeed.
“It inspired me to pursue the OPM role, as I realised the impact I could have on a wider scale. The senior management team at DHU has been incredibly supportive and has allowed me to make a difference. DHU is the most supportive company I have ever worked for, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the NHS and the community."