Another Healthcare Hero talks about their work at the SWAH

Here, Claire discusses the importance of her role, how happy she is to support others, and how she relaxes away from her busy but vital work.

What motivated you to pursue a career at the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH)?

I have been employed by the Trust for 20 years. Having started my career in Tyrone County Omagh, and Erne Hospital Enniskillen, it was the natural progression to further develop my career at the SWAH.

Could you share a significant challenge you've faced in your role and how you overcame it to provide quality healthcare services?

During the Covid-19 pandemic, my colleague and I were redeployed to help distribute PPE to various wards within the SWAH.

This was very challenging for both of us as we were going into Covid-positive wards, where there were very sick patients, but it was also satisfying that we were providing a service to protect the well-being of staff within the wards.

How do you believe your role contributes to the well-being and recovery of patients within our community?

I believe I have to keep learning and be an active member within the team and improve, where possible, the well-being of patients that pass through our department.

Can you highlight a particular patient interaction or medical achievement that you are particularly proud of, and why?

The Hospital Sterilisation and Decontamination Unit (HSDU) department were nominated by our managers, Aisling Bonner and Margaret McNally, for the Western Trust Staff Recognition Awards in April, 2024.

We won the ‘Working Together’ team award. This highlighted the work our department was involved in while Altnagelvin HSDU Department was being refurbished.

All three sites worked together to continue providing a high standard of service within the Trust and community sector. This was a very proud moment and great to get the recognition for this.

How do you ensure the delivery of compassionate and effective care in your specific healthcare discipline?

I ensure all my mandatory training is up to date and will continue to attend training courses pertaining to my role as a Band 4 Medical Technical Officer.

What aspect of your work do you find most rewarding, and how does it resonate with your personal values and mission?

The aspect I find rewarding is when the team I work with within the SWAH complete our day’s work, knowing that we have provided a safe environment and quality service providing scopes that are clean and functioning to the correct standards within our department.

How do you manage the demands of your job, and what strategies do you employ to ensure exceptional healthcare service delivery?

I enjoy going for walks when I get home from work, as this helps me to manage the demands of my job.

Also, communication is very important, as well as making sure my staff are happy within their workplace and can approach me about aspects that they may or may not be happy with.

Have there been any mentors or colleagues who have significantly influenced your practice, and in what way?

Throughout my 20 years within the Trust I have had three managers – Sr. McDermott, Briege Darcy and Margaret McNally.

They have been a great support to me, both on a professional and a personal level.

They have encouraged me over the years and I have progressed to where I am today as a Band 4 Medical Technical Officer (MTO). Thank you, ladies!

What are your aspirations for the future, and how do you envision the evolution of your role within the SWAH?

My aspiration is to continue to develop in my role as a Band 4 MTO as I am only a year into post, and aspire to learn the many techniques that may occur along the way.

How do you believe your efforts contribute to the overall excellence and advancement of healthcare services in our local community?

I believe in keeping focused on the high standards we deliver in our department and dealing with all changes and challenges that may occur.