As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?

I can't really remember. I think something involving people or horses!? Horses soon went out the window...

How did you get involved in the healthcare sector?

My Dad was a GP for 30+ years before he retired, so healthcare has always been a part of my life. When thinking about career options I knew I wanted to do something medical - I didn't want to be a doctor but something that involved people and Occupational Therapy suited me 'down to a tee'.
My passion is to see God's love declared to the people working for and affected by the NHS. I'm also passionate about people being treated well and valued within the health service.

How does faith shape your work?

It helps me be the best I can be for the people I work with. I aim to relay some of God's heart to people by the way I live. I feel it gives me a different perspective on people and gives me the strength to stand up for what I feel is right - especially within my Governor role. It gives me the strength to do what I do - especially because at university I suffered with anxiety so said to God I'm never working in Mental Health... note to self... never say never to God!

When I'm working with people who feel they have no future or feel fearful about what lies ahead, I feel I can relay hope out of a bad situation and demonstrate some good can come out of it. I'm a living testimony of that. I also give space for patients to talk about what keeps them going which can often lead to conversations about faith/God/Spirituality. I try to enable them to recognise the little flickers of hope they also may have in their lives.

Which movie character is most like you?

I really don't know... but I do have traits of all 3 female members of Friends. Monica - organised and a bit of a control freak... Phoebe - bit dizzy and Rachel - I love shopping but in places like Primarni not Armani.

Who inspires you?

People of integrity who stand up for what they believe in, people who can speak clearly and say what they want in a way that makes people listen and take note. People who are really close to God, who remain grounded but go for what they feel God is asking them to do with confidence.

Does God love the NHS?

I know that God loves both staff and patients who are affected by the NHS. However, I think there is still a lot about the NHS as a whole that I believe God doesn't love! It's God's idea to care for the broken, hurting, poor and needy and for them to be healed so the NHS is based on godly principles. God's heart is to heal and care for the patients but also to heal and care for the the people working for the NHS.

Who has been the biggest influence in your work?

I guess my Dad, he is a well respected person within healthcare who stood up for what he felt was right but was really good at his job and known for this. I want to be more like him.

What makes you angry?

Injustice and people not being valued. I feel really angry when people don't have a say and when I see a problem that can't be addressed due to red tape and politics.

Martin Luther King Jr had a dream for society. What is yours?

That people start to care more for each other and for Jesus' heart and for members of society to be portrayed more and more by those who know him.

What is the main hindrance to living the dream?

Judgemental attitudes and selfishness, maybe religious barriers/restrictions/the norm? Trying to put people in neat boxes.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Getting my hair done - being pampered for a couple of hours - love it.

What advice would you give to anyone starting out in healthcare?

Do your best and don't think you have to know it all - don't be afraid to ask for advice and work with your colleagues as best as possible. Learn how to not take work home with you - make sure you get a good work/life balance.

How can we increase wellbeing in health service?

I think by making sure that the healthcare workers are treated well and shown more often that they are valued. If staff are more valued and treated well then they are more likely to hit the targets. Also, I feel tackling areas within health that we can change and not wasting time and energy on aspects that we can't change.

Recognising the good within the NHS and healthcare - rather than constantly pointing out what is wrong. We all need to take responsibility for areas in our own lives and health to try to reduce potential pressure on the health service.

I didn't get where I am today without...

My relationship with God - His patience and loving gracious nature as well as the love and support of my amazing husband and loving family and friends.

Tell us a joke

"My doctor told me to take something for my cold."
"What did you take?"
"His Coat!"