Tell us a little about your job
I manage the theatre department which includes a suite of operating theatres at Forth Valley Royal Hospital and two theatres at Falkirk Community Hospital. It’s an interesting job and the work and the variety means that no two days are the same.
What has been your career path to date?
After training at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary I began working in theatres at Falkirk and District Royal Infirmary in 1991 as a scrub nurse in all surgical specialties. I spent seven years at Falkirk, moving into a senior staff nurse post and then left for the private sector to fit around childcare arrangements for my young son Ross. Six years part time in a local private hospital was followed by five years as a full time agency theatre nurse. In 2009, I was approached by an orthopaedic implant company and asked if I was interested in working with them as a clinical specialist in their hip, knee and extremities division. Two years later, after missing my clinical work, I was successful in being appointed Theatre Manager with a private provider. This led to the role of Director of Nursing with the same company.
How do you feel a mix of public and private sector posts has added to your experience?
Working with the orthopaedic implant company was a fabulous learning opportunity and opened my eyes to the commercial side of the healthcare world. Private sector work also led to an interest in learning inspection methodology and I became a Hospital Inspector with Healthcare Improvement Scotland. During this time I was approached by Nuffield Health to apply for the post of matron in their Glasgow hospital which gave me managerial experience for clinical services and governance.
When not working in theatres, how do you fill your time?
I love to keep fit, look after my dogs and spend time with my family. I have two Jack Russell terriers, Tawser and Baxter, and a chocolate labrador Rosie, who sadly is now blind.
Best book you have ever read and why?
I don’t have a particular favourite but love crime novels and especially Tess Gerritson books.
Favourite holiday?
It has to be New York with my family.
Funniest memory?
I am not always the most observant whist out in public, and a number of years ago whist on holiday at Christmas time in New York, I literally bumped into Morgan Freeman apologising as I was so focussed on getting to a chocolate shop as the window looked amazing. After the event my husband said to me, did you know who that was!
Most treasured possession?
It has to be a Doune-faced grandfather clock that my father gave me, even although it drives my husband crazy as it’s a little temperamental. I am originally from Doune and this clock sometimes has a mind of its own, stopping suddenly after a few days.
What would you tell yourself at 18?
Be more adventurous!
What might people not know about you?
I am a total chocoholic and could eat a family sized chocolate bar in one sitting!
If you could change the world?
I would make sure that Scotland was always sunny and warm in the summer!
What would you do with a million pound windfall?
I could never imagine having a million pound windfall. I guess if I did I would retire and travel for at least 6 months of the year.
