As part of our weekly ‘Meet the Team’ feature, we're diving into the heartbeat of DHU Healthcare—the Rota Team. Led by Cara Wallage, the team plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation of the organisation's Urgent and Emergency Care services.
Comprising five dedicated members, the team includes Cara, our Workforce Manager, Angeline Usher as the Senior Workforce Coordinator, Louise Kerfoot and Rachel Wilson as Rota Assistants, and Julie Nightingale, the Rota Team Admin, described affectionately by Angeline as the 'mother of the group’.
Angeline told us: “We’re like the emergency service of DHU Healthcare, an integral cog that keeps it all moving. If we didn't do our job properly, then the business wouldn't work as it should and, though we don’t always shout about what we do, I’m proud that we are an indispensable and essential part of the brilliant work that DHU does every day.
“We are such a close-knit team and between us there is a sense of togetherness and camaraderie, ensuring we’re there for each other and work incredibly well as a unit. We're close, a good mix of people that look after and genuinely care about each other."
The rota team’s role has changed and grown over the years, Angeline told us: "It's not just a case of who works where and when anymore, there's a much wider scope from managing rotas to being the go-to for a number of different operational queries, which means our role has expanded significantly.
“From my personal perspective, and having a background in pharmacy, I feel that I have found my place and enjoy fulfilling the challenges that I get from my current role. Our strengths lie in the personalised relationships we have been able to build with clinicians and doctors over time and we get a lot more from people if we get to know them better. Our role goes so much further than simply delegating shifts, it’s about building up connections and communicating with people from all across the business.
“Our biggest challenge every day is ensuring we've got the right people in place to delivery a safe and effective service. That means making sure we've got the right people in the right places at the right time. That may sound like a cliche, but that is literally what it is and it shapes our services day to day.”
Every day we get the service moving and covered.
Summing up their role, Angeline simply adds: "We’re there for everyone, no matter what,” epitomising the essence of an emergency service - team dedicated to keeping things running smoothly, especially in the most challenging times.
Pictured are: l-r Angeline Usher, Cara Wallage, Julie Nightingale, Louise Kerfoot and Rachel Wilson