Tell us a little about your current post
I manage the administration staff within Psychological Therapies across Falkirk and Stirling Community Hospitals and the Bungalows. As part of the Management Team, along with the clinical leads, we all ensure the smooth planning, delivery and development of an extremely busy mental health service. This includes supporting the development of ever evolving therapies such as online psychological support.
How did you arrive in your current role?
After 23 years in Health Records, firstly in Oban hospital and then in Forth Valley, I decided it was time for a new challenge despite being very happy there. I felt I needed to get out of my comfort zone. Much of my last role involved working within mental health services and I enjoyed it so much that when this role came up I had to go for it.
Describe a typical day
I don’t think there has been anything typical to be fair as I started right at the beginning of the pandemic! Most of my and my staff’s work involves supporting clinical colleagues which is a challenge when we are a team of over a 100! But with these challenges brings a huge amount of admiration for the way we as a team have dealt with such a challenging year.
Last book you read or TV programme you watched?
Schitts’s Creek – I loved it and it is the funniest feel-good and cleverly done series I’ve seen. I also love Grey’s Anatomy and Station 19.
How would you describe yourself as a person?
Hmmm, well all my friends and family think I am a bit of a riot, but they are obviously big fibbers! I think I am a bubbly, happy and sociable person who likes a laugh – I think it is so important to have a giggle.
Best bargain you’ve ever found?
My wood burner – I managed to negotiate on an ex-display model and I love it.
Would you rather cook for friends or eat out?
Well due to my partner and I having 4 kids between us it’s difficult to get out, so realistically my vote is to watch my partner cook for friends while I sit back and watch/entertain, as he enjoys cooking! We also love going out for a nice meal too whenever we can.
If you were a time traveller where would you land?
This was a hard one – I think going back and getting to know my Grandfather who died in the Normandy Landings when he was 22 or 50 years into the future to make sure my kids are happy, and see what new technologies have developed.
What always lifts you out of a mood?
My family and friends, combat and spin classes at my gym and the odd gin.
How would you describe your home?
Absolute chaos! I love having a happy noisy home. But coming from a big farming family on the Isle of Mull, I wouldn’t have it any other way. My mum always said ‘have a home, not a house’.
Funniest memory?
Most I couldn’t possibly repeat here, but one of the best ones is the reason one of my friends still has a mark on her bum! I fell asleep in a toilet cubicle in a Gourock pub around 20 years ago and she went into full Wonder Woman mode in an attempt to rescue me by climbing over the cubicle partition in her dress and burnt her bum on the ceiling light!
What keeps you awake at night?
At the moment missing my parents as they now live in North Wales and I haven’t been able to see them. Also my miniature dachshund who is very old and snores loudly. Her bed is on the floor next to mine but I don’t have the heart to move her!
