International Women's Day 2022 | North Bristol NHS Trust

Tuesday 8 March 2022

For International Women's Day we are proud to celebrate the amazing women who contribute so much to our trust and champion their achievements. Below you can read the stories of just some of our inspirational female colleagues at NBT.

“As a midwife and active trade unionist the suffragette movement talked about “deeds not words” and that has always personally resonated with me and has been a fundamental principle of how I undertake both of my roles. My words are not without purpose and I strive everyday day to do what I have promised.”

“I hope that I am that role model to doctors and young people considering their career path. I hope I can show them surgery is about more than technical ability and that the addition of so-called ‘soft skills’ in the form of communication, compassion, and kindness produces improved patient outcomes and a better working environment. I hope my daughter sees me practising value-based care both at work and at home and that she feels her possibilities are endless. I hope she is proud of me.”

“I have worked my way up the nursing ladder in Intensive Care, loving every step of my journey. “I have had to step out of my comfort zone on many occasions, but it has been so worthwhile. If you had told me pre pandemic that I would be advising national projects on staff wellbeing, presenting at national and international conferences and contributing to published books I would have laughed and said, ‘no way, that’s not for me.’ It’s not easy and doesn’t come naturally (yet!) but I’m so glad I took the

“I believe it is important to aspire to be the best you can; go and find an inspirational mentor to encourage you when times are tough (and there will be days like that) and to celebrate the highs with you. My trail blazing mother taught me to value those around me and advocate for change through education and collaboration. Don’t let any barriers get in your way: glass ceilings are there to be shattered! And finally, from my Irish uncle... “the only place where success comes before work is in the dictionar

“I am a strong women who always goes above and beyond in my profession, I do thrive to be a driving force for change, so I embrace the quote from Maya Angelou: ‘If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude and approach’, this is one of my heroines that encourages me to embrace change and to never walk away from a challenge.”

“Things were difficult for me while I was at university but I was determined to finish my nursing course. I was the happiest lady when I completed my course as I really wanted to become a nurse. I have faced challenges being a single parent of three children, but with the support of my matron I now work shifts that suit me in the hospital where I always wished to work. “I will end by saying patience and determination are the key to success.”

“Reflecting on my working life so far, my current role makes perfect sense. I’d love to say I planned it, but truly it was a happy accident! “If I had any words of wisdom to offer, particularly with my younger self in mind, they might be: “There are as many ways to be a woman as there are women in the world. Whatever anyone might tell you, there is no right or wrong way to do it. Choose what feels right for you. “Be generous with yourself, offer support and encouragement whenever you can. Never assume so

“Mine was not a traditional route or expected outcome, to be honest. I would say I have exceeded my original ambitions to be a consultant, but needless to say, I have had multiple failures and rejections along the way, one or two of which nearly broke my spirit. “I am proud of my contributions to research as an NHS Consultant, and was finally promoted to Professor of Neuropathology this year through my papers, grant funding, teaching and contributions to society. “My advice to anyone would be; when self-dou

“I feel lucky, in that I have always felt supported as a woman to progress my career as a senior leader in all my roles, but I am acutely aware that, in a male dominated society, this is not the case for all women and not the case in all companies. So, I would urge all women, who are beginning on their career journey to not give up, to seek support, ask for regular feedback, be ambitious and never give up.”

“I was born with facial palsy, and although it has often been a difficult path to tread through childhood, I’ve been helped by lots of support from my family and the NHS. I am now currently undertaking an apprenticeship as a Senior Healthcare Assistant, and also run a support group as a volunteer for Facial Palsy UK. My advice to others is that positivity is the key to happiness and success. We should always focus on what we have rather than on what we don’t have.”

“I qualified as a Nurse in the Philippines in 1996 and eventually came to Bristol, UK in 2001. “Starting a career as a Nurse was always my dream and I really wanted to become a Nurse Manager/Leader. “I have faced a lot of difficulties being a full time nurse and raising a son with autism however with the encouragement and the support of my families and colleagues I was able to accomplished my dream. “I am now a Clinical Matron for Stroke and Neurology. My advice to all women is to have courage, strength an

“Before being ordained I was a teacher which I expected to be all my life. I taught for 11 years first in Scotland then in Tanzania East Africa before coming to Bristol to read theology. I was ordained a priest with the very first 32 women in England in 1994. We were hailed as pioneers for the women who have come after us. I remember on the day being interviewed and asked what it felt like to be a history maker! My reply then was as now “it’s not about making history it’s about changing the church, in

“Nine years ago I became the first female consultant kidney transplant surgeon of Asian origin in the UK and now lead my department. For the last year I have also been the joint lead for consultant and senior doctor welling at NBT. “I’ve faced several challenges in my career but think you have to work hard to achieve what you want in life. This includes overcoming the obstacles that others may put in your way. Only then can you clear the path for others to follow. ”

“Over the past two years I have never been challenged more as I step into the role of manager, and am learning a huge amount about myself and the type of manager I want to be, whilst also being mum to three young boys. Its hard. Really hard. But this is my dream job and I love it. The advice I would give anyone is don’t rush decisions to decide who you are and what you want to be. Get involved in all experiences offered to you in every walk of life and then you can make really informed decisions about

“I am a first generation British Asian Muslim woman who grew up on a council estate in the ‘90s. Girls going to university wasn’t considered a cultural norm, and most girls from my background were married by the end of their teens. “I feel really proud to be able to do the job I do now, as it takes care of the people that take care of us, when we are unwell or not at our best. “If I could give one piece of advice to my younger self it would be: ‘If you are always trying to be normal you will never know ho