We’d like to introduce you to Lauren Abernethy who has very recently taken on a secondment into the role of Non-Clinical Performance Manager at our 111 Advice Centre in Chippenham.
She has been with DHU for almost three years, taking on the role to cover maternity leave and is a shining example of the development and career opportunities available at DHU’s 111 service.
“I’ve been a Health Advisor at Orbis in Derby for around two and a half years,” explains Lauren, “and within a year I had the opportunity to take additional responsibilities as a Coach. It’s a great way to use the skills and experience you gain from speaking to patients and giving the right advice. Being able to pass that knowledge onto those starting at 111 is something I’ve really enjoyed.
“Career progression is important to me and I have had management experience before, just not here at DHU, so when the opportunity came up to provide cover at Chippenham I decided to apply. A secondment is a great chance to see if the role is for me and also to immerse myself in a different 111 environment. It’s an amazing opportunity and I can do some of the work simultaneously with my training as I already have experience of some elements of the role.”
Career Progression
Lauren already knows what it means to progress through an organisation and how the value placed on you as an individual acts as a motivator. She started as a support worker for an Aspergers and Autism Support Service, developing her skills and experience there for ten years. By the time she left she had risen to the position of Assistant Manager before looking for a new challenge with DHU Healthcare.
She added: “My job here is to support our Health Advisors so having performed that role for close to three years I know the type of support they need. There’s an additional element of analysis and looking to see where we can improve as a service for patients and that’s the side I’m looking to learn more about.
“Chippenham seems like a lovely place to live and work; they’ve made me feel very welcome right from the start. DHU has been good to me and they’re also supporting me through my training accreditation module whilst taking on this role so I’m learning and developing on the job and through adult learning. I’m also able to use my experience at Orbis to support the training modules here so I hope DHU and those joining us at Chippenham are benefitting from this role as much as I am.
“In terms of my future, I’ll have to see how this opportunity progresses and whether there’s a chance to make it permanent, either here or elsewhere in DHU. For now, I’m fully focussed on this opportunity and making the most of it so that when another chance to progress comes along, I have the skills and experience to take it.”
Publish date: 18 May 2022