For Today’s ‘What Do You at DHU’ we meet Agnieszka Waskiewicz, one of our Despatch Controllers at Northampton General Hospital, who cover four of our DHU sites across Northants.
With a rich healthcare background, she works part-time for DHU whilst continuing her weekday role with the prison service. Her role links clinicians and healthcare professionals, ensuring seamless, quality patient care.
Agnieszka told us what motivated her to join DHU Healthcare, saying: “I was looking for a flexible role that would allow me to work outside my weekday job. My husband, who is an Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP), recommended DHU to me. He knew the organisation's commitment to excellence and the opportunities it could offer me. Since starting, the team has been incredibly supportive, and the training provided has been excellent. I genuinely enjoy being part of this team and contributing to the improvement of patient care.
“Joining DHU Healthcare has been a fantastic journey for me. While I enjoy my other role working from home, it lacks the face-to-face contact that I find so rewarding. As a Despatch Controller, DHU has given me the opportunity to see the patient journey from another perspective. I love being part of the team and contributing to the well-being of patients.
“I'm one of the main contacts for the team during their shifts, spending my time analysing data, assessing patient lists and ensuring urgent calls are made when needed. My role is crucial in bridging communication between clinicians and other healthcare professionals, such as paramedics. We work together to determine if we can accommodate more face-to-face patients from A&E, whilst always prioritising patient safety and avoiding excessive pressure on clinicians.
“My previous experiences have been invaluable in preparing me for this role. Working at a prison healthcare facility and within primary care has provided me with a diverse skill set that I can now apply to help support the DHU team effectively. I've had the opportunity to draw upon this wealth of clinical experience, and it's been amazing to learn from colleagues who have worked in urgent care for up to 20 years. Every day is a learning experience and I love the face-to-face interactions that come with this role.
“What I find to be the most rewarding part of this role is the face-to-face interactions with colleagues and the opportunity to witness various parts of the healthcare system working together to enhance patient care. Every day is a chance for me to make a positive impact on someone's life. I take pride in being part of a team that ensures patients receive the care they need promptly and efficiently.”