Chatology

Chatology – with Lisa Wigley

Our new series of conversations with people around SYB begins with Lisa Wigley, Central Reception Services Co-ordinator, Pathology, Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

The MLA’s role is crucial for the functioning of an efficient service. Our teams of MLAs across SYB are responsible for a wide range of work to ensure accurate and timely test results for patients, including data management, maintenance of equipment, operational systems, collaboration with disciplines and professionals at all levels, quality assurance and diagnostic support. They provide an essential contribution to patient safety, care, and outcomes.

What is your NHS journey so far?

I’ve been working within the NHS for 31 years at Barnsley Hospital. I started as a YTS in the X-ray department then moved to pathology as a clerical officer in biochemistry. I then began working as an MLA in blood sciences and also as a phlebotomist working on the wards, as well as an outreach phlebotomist at GP surgeries.

What is your role? 

In 2020 I successfully gained the role of central reception services coordinator where I am the supervisor for 25 MLAs in blood sciences and histology.

What does your work involve?

My day-to-day duties involve making sure all the shift patterns are covered with the right number of staff, ensuring that samples are booked in and processed in the lab in a timely manner, and undertaking all aspects of recruitment, sickness, and annual leave. I am incredibly proud of the efficient pathology service we run. I have implemented a 24/7 rota through Health Roster ensuring there is an MLA working throughout the night to support the BMS on call.

One thing you’re proud of

I pride myself in compassionately bringing a team together by providing support and encouragement to each MLA and promoting a positive working environment. The flexible working arrangement we have introduced has resulted in a happy and productive environment and low absence levels.

What are your hopes for the future SYB service?  

While change is never easy, the big picture is a positive one that ultimately aims to bring many benefits. My team and I will do all we can to support and facilitate a smooth transition to the future model.

The best thing about working in Barnsley is…

It’s a close-knit, caring, friendly and supportive place to live and work and I wouldn’t be anywhere else! We have a fantastic team spirit and an overall happy workforce that always strives to achieve a high standard and adhere to our values.

What’s your favourite thing to do out of work? 

When I’m not in work I enjoy spending time with my family and I’m looking forward to celebrating my 50th birthday next year in the Maldives!

Chatology – with Lucy Goodwin

Second in our new series of conversations with people around SYB is Lucy Goodwin, a biomedical scientist in microbiology, based at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals.  

Tell us about your NHS journey so far

My first NHS role was in 2014, in the medical records department as a clerical officer, following A-levels. Whilst working as a HMLA at DRI in 2019 I began working towards my IBMS Registration portfolio to apply for any upcoming BMS positions. I often did this in my own time, on weekends and after work.

I was promoted to a band 3 assistant practitioner in April 2020, then passed my registration portfolio assessment and became HCPC registered. In October 2020 I was promoted to a temporary band 5 BMS to aid with COVID-19 PCR testing.

I took every opportunity to train on multiple benches, taking on more than what was expected of me. As a result, it was agreed that I could begin to complete the IBMS specialist portfolio. I was awarded a permanent BMS position in 2022. I have now completed my specialist portfolio and bench rotations within the lab, with my assessment set for a few weeks’ time. This will allow me to work as a specialist BMS in microbiology (band 6) and become part of the on-call team. 

What does your work involve?

As biomedical scientists, we are responsible for the diagnosis of bacterial, fungal, parasitic causes of disease. I work across a variety of benches, depending on the sample type submitted to us. This could be urines, gynaecology, faeces, wound swabs, sterile sites, blood cultures, respiratory or mycology. I am responsible for the set-up of some samples, reading culture plates, staining, and reading microscopies, the set up and reading of antimicrobial sensitivities and reporting my findings. Other duties include training new staff members and being a part of the internal auditing team to ensure samples are processed accordingly. I also support other groups when required.

One thing you are proud of

My strong work ethic, desire to learn and determination to succeed has never let me down. I feel like I have made excellent progression since starting work in the microbiology department and always come to work with a positive attitude to try and go above and beyond. I take every day as a day of learning to be a small, but reliant part of an amazing team.

What are your hopes for the future of the SYB service?

I am very excited about the development of SYBP. Doncaster is becoming a microbiology hub, alongside Sheffield, which will mean we will receive more samples from other parts of the area, new staff to expand our current smaller team and a different way of working from what we know now. I fully believe the future model will benefit both staff and patients using the service across the trust. I also believe that change is scary, however is necessary for improvement and development.

The best thing about working in Doncaster is…

The supportive, friendly, hard-working nature of the entire team, from the HMLA’s to management. We support each other both professionally and personally, which makes us like one big microbiology family! Our common goal is to make the department the best it can be, especially going forward into the SYBP model.

What is your favourite thing to do outside of work?

I like to stay fit and active through attending the gym, swimming and running. I used to swim competitivity, representing Doncaster as a teenager and I am currently working towards running a half marathon distance. I also like to spend my downtime with my friends, family and three adorable cats. Me and my partner are currently excited about our trip to Florida in November.