How long have you been working here?

I’ve been with HCA UK at London Bridge Hospital for three and a half years now. I had spent eight years working just across the road at Guy’s and St. Thomas’s Trust for the NHS. Before moving to HCA UK, I was covering maternity leave in the Children’s Hospital there. When that role ended, I was looking for the right next step. I wasn’t necessarily planning to leave the NHS, but when I saw this opportunity, I decided to go for it.

How did you get started?

Well, I remember my interview clearly. It was held at The Shard and that really set the tone. It felt professional, polished, and welcoming. That’s very different from interviews I’ve had in the past that are often in clinical rooms or tucked-away in offices. That first impression of HCA UK as a highly professional, well-organised company stood out to me. The interview itself lasted about an hour and a half, and I think I probably asked more questions than they did. It was a great conversation, and I left feeling excited about the possibility of joining.

What’s your role and what do you do day-to-day?

A large part of my job is still hands-on, working directly with patients, but I also manage the team and oversee operations. A typical day is really varied. One moment, I might be in the operating theatre assisting with imaging, the next I could be in a meeting discussing recruitment strategies or with a colleague talking about their development.

Recently, I’ve stepped into the role of Acting Deputy Imaging Manager. It’s a big shift from leading a team of ten Radiographers, I’m now helping oversee the whole Radiology department, which includes over seventy imaging professionals across different areas. It’s been a brilliant opportunity to put my MSc in Executive Leadership into practice and stretch my strategic thinking.

I’m grateful for the support HCA UK has given me in my career. This temporary role is a great chance to show what I can do and build the experience I need to take on a permanent leadership position in the future.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I love the variety, but above all, I love working with people. Helping my team develop, supporting them in their careers, and seeing them grow is incredibly rewarding. I believe in leading by example and anything I ask my team to do, I’m willing to do myself. That mutual respect is crucial for building a great working environment.

I also get a lot out of the patient interaction. In Radiography, we often only have a small window of time to make an impact on people. Regardless, I’m always looking to build connections.

Do you have any standout stories?

There was a patient I treated recently. We got talking and it turned out she was a doctor. As we chatted more, we realised we had actually grown up on the same street. It’s amazing what you learn when you get talking. I think it really helps patients and gives a sense of comfort. For me, it reinforces the reason I love working in a place where we have the time and capacity to truly engage with patients. In a busier hospital these conversations probably wouldn’t happen.

Can you tell us about the people you work with?

The culture at HCA UK is special. It’s friendly, professional, and supportive right from the top down. When new colleagues join, part of their induction includes a meeting with senior leadership, which is a great touch—it shows that people matter here. One thing I noticed as soon as I joined was how welcoming everyone is. In some hospitals, you can walk past colleagues without acknowledgment, but here, everyone greets each other. That may seem small, but it makes a big difference in creating a warm and welcoming environment.

Have you taken advantage of your benefits?

One of the biggest for me has been the private healthcare. I had a sports injury that required surgery, and thanks to HCA UK, I was able to have the procedure done quickly and get rehab as well. A friend of mine had a similar injury and didn’t have the healthcare I have. They had to wait nine months for surgery. Mine was done in three. So that’s a huge difference right there. It also extends to family. My wife is on the plan, which gives us both peace of mind.

What makes you stay at HCA UK?

HCA UK invests in its people. I’ve always felt supported here. My managers have been fantastic, always available and willing to help. They’ve given me time and space to grow, like through my master’s and generally encouraging me to take those next steps in terms of leaderships.

I always see a clear pathway for progression. The CEO here started as a physiotherapist, and the COO started as a pharmacist. That tells me that clinical professionals reach the top here, and that’s inspiring.

What’s next for you?

Right now, I’m focused on completing my master’s and applying what I’ve learned to improve recruitment in my department. But beyond that, I see my future with HCA UK. I’d love to take on a broader leadership role, potentially overseeing multiple departments. And with the support and opportunities available here, I know that’s achievable.