We like showcasing our people and today we’re going to focus on one of our NHS 111 remote clinical advisors, Sara Cobley, a familiar face to some, given her work as a charity champion.
She made the switch to working remotely for her health and is the perfect example of how caring for people as a nurse can change with the times.
“Hello, my name is Sara and I’ve been a registered nurse for thirty-one years, ten of those have been with DHU.
“I started my nurse training in 1991, and I became a general adult nurse in 1994. I found myself drawn to elderly and stroke rehabilitation, and later palliative care. In 2012, ill health meant I had to step back from ward work and began working with Yorkshire Ambulance Service as an agency nurse, focusing on ways to improve the patient journey. I led and contributed to the development of personalised care plans, working closely with heads of A&E departments, police forces, mental health services, substance misuse teams, and GPs.
Innovation and collaboration
“I joined DHU in 2015 as a clinical advisor, and I’ve loved being here ever since. I was one of the first involved in the pilot of GoodSam, our video consult initiative that adds an invaluable extra layer to triage that a phone call alone can’t achieve. I’m also trained to provide reflective supervision sessions, something I find incredibly meaningful, supporting colleagues the same way others have supported me.
“What do I love about DHU? The diversity, the energy, the people. No two days are ever the same. One moment I might be helping a patient during a difficult time; the next I’m collaborating with colleagues who always have your back. Our site managers and shift leads are fantastic, they make you feel confident and supported, even on the tough days.
Skill, resilience and dedication
“I’ve always believed that our health advisors have the hardest job of all. They start with nothing more than a ringing phone and build an assessment from scratch, often in the most challenging circumstances. Their skill, resilience and dedication set the foundation for the care we provide, and I’m proud to work alongside colleagues who give so much of themselves to help others.
“People often ask what advice I’d give to someone joining DHU. That’s an easy one: Don’t panic, it all makes sense in the end.”