Michelle’s HCA UK Story
As Director of Capital Projects, Michelle leads a team of construction project managers responsible for the design and construction of refurbishments and new builds across HCA UK. From new hospitals to state-of-the-art suites, she’s dedicated to going above and beyond to make sure that patients have a place to recover in comfort.
Her passion for her work and her team, has helped keep HCA UK at the forefront of healthcare.
How long have you been working here?
I’ve been working in private healthcare for fifteen years, and I’ve been with HCA UK for nine. I think HCA UK is the pinnacle of private healthcare, so working here, the time has really flown by.
How did you get started at HCA UK?
I joined as a Senior Construction Project Manager. From the start, I was delivering projects across lots of different hospitals. A milestone project for me was working on the Harborne Hospital. I was involved from design to construction up until the first patient walked through the doors. Midway through that project, I was promoted to Director which I think was a reflection of how much I had grown in the role. That recognition is still there today.
What’s your role and what do you do day-to-day?
As Director of Capital Projects, I’m overseeing construction and refurbishment across all our facilities, from ward refurbishments, new diagnostic equipment projects to brand new hospitals. A typical day for me might involve two or three project meetings, collaborating with architects, engineers, and design teams and generally making sure we’re meeting all requirements, both technical and clinical. I also get to spend time on site, checking in on the progress of projects and meeting colleagues. There are always a lot of moving parts and a good amount of variety, which I love.
What do you enjoy the most about your role?
No two days are the same. Each project is unique. Even if you're working in two floors of the same building, the build can be totally different and that's always fun. I also get to meet a variety of different people within HCA UK. I have to understand what they do, what they need and how that translates into the project from a design and construction perspective. There’s a real satisfaction in seeing the projects come to life and knowing the impact they’ll have on our colleagues and the patients.
Can you tell us about the people that you work with?
The people at HCA UK are one of the biggest reasons I’ve stayed so long. My team is tight-knit, and I’d say the same about the whole company. I lead an amazing group of project managers, and we genuinely care for each other and collaborate at every step. The people I meet outside my team are also so welcoming and knowledgeable and that’s inspiring.
Have you taken advantage of your benefits?
Yes. There are a lot of bigger benefits like private medical insurance which is fantastic, but actually for me, it’s the little things that make a lot of difference. For example, the Gym Flex benefit has been great. Sometimes work is stressful, so it’s invaluable to have that time to clear my head. I even got my favourite gym added to the list. I was able to ask, and HCA UK listened and accommodated me.
“Working at HCA UK, the depth and breadth of people that we meet is brilliant. You just never know which way your day is going to go and who you're going to be talking to next. The amazing thing about HCA UK, is there’s so many expert people in their field, so when you go and talk to these people and work closely with them, it's an education in and of itself.”
Do you have any standout stories?
One of the things that stands out for me is the importance of the little details. When we’re designing patient rooms, we focus on creating a warm, calming environment. It’s not just about a patient’s needs; it’s about going beyond that. We think about the colour of wallpaper, the type of furniture, the storage, the things that make patients feel at home. I remember walking into a room with a patient, and they said, “Wow, this feels like a hotel room!”. Our goal is to get a five-star hotel feel, so that kind of feedback reminds me of the difference we can, and we do make.
What makes you stay at HCA UK?
The people, without a doubt. HCA UK has such a collaborative and supportive culture and working with all these talented and passionate people makes every day rewarding. I’m also proud to be a part of the impact we make together as a big team of caregivers.
What’s next for you?
I’ve been in my current role for just under a year, so my focus is very much on building out my team and my skills as a leader. It’s an exciting challenge and I’m still learning as I go. HCA UK has supported my development tremendously. They’ve put me on their Leading-Edge programme for HCA UK leadership and there’s also new opportunities to develop. I’m looking forward to growing more as a leader and supporting my team in their delivery of even more ambitious and brilliant projects for HCA UK