• Health and social care careers in Dorset

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So far Our Dorset has created 13 blog entries.

Amina

2024-10-09T10:45:28+00:00

What is your background; tell me a bit about you?

Hello! I’m Amina, a newly qualified speech and language therapist (SALT) based at Poole Hospital. I recently graduated from the University of Manchester with a first-class degree Masters in Speech and Language Therapy. On days off from work, I love embracing my inner foodie – you can spot me exploring local cafes and restaurants around Dorset!

How did you find out about opportunities in Dorset and the webinar?

My university consistently updated us on new Band 5 SALT positions across the country. When I came across an email talking about new opportunities in Dorset (complete with a catchy webinar poster of course), I decided it would be a great idea to sign up.

What made you want to apply and move to Dorset?

After 4 great years in Manchester, it was time for a reboot. The city held a special place in my heart, but I wanted to keep it distinct from my first job experience as a SALT. The idea of moving to Dorset really struck me when I visited for my interview – getting a taste of the city’s diversity and atmosphere first-hand sealed the deal.

What have you enjoyed the most so far?

Indulging in delicious food and unwinding by the pier after a long day has definitely been the highlight of my stay.

What are your plans or goals for the future?

My current professional goal is to ace my dysphagia and NQP competencies. Personally, I’m set to finding my own place with my friends and moving out of the hospital accommodation.

Describe how you felt:

  • On your first day

While I was genuinely excited, I was also very nervous. Part of me worried I wouldn’t get along with anyone and that my lack of experience would be obvious from day one, those concerns somewhat overshadowed my enthusiasm.

  • Now 

Over the past four months, I’ve not only settled into my role but also connected with some fantastic people. It’s been a game-changer for me—I now feel genuinely integrated into both the community and my job.

Has the experience of moving and working in Dorset met your expectations? 

Absolutely! Transitioning from the busy city life of Manchester, I had concerns about Dorset’s social scene. However, since I arrived, it’s been nothing but vibrant. It helps being part of an amazing team, who have been incredibly supportive throughout my learning journey and the transition to the area.

What would you say to someone else who was battling to decide whether to apply and relocate to NHS in Dorset? What would your advice to them be?

Relocating to a new place can be daunting (and often exhausting), but don’t let the initial challenges scare you off. Since I’ve started working and living in Dorset, the experience has been nothing short of wonderful. I’m genuinely excited for what’s yet to come and look forward to experiencing more of what Dorset has to offer.

Amina2024-10-09T10:45:28+00:00

Imogen and Sara

2024-10-09T10:19:05+00:00

Imogen

Hello! I’m Imogen, I work as a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist for Dorset HealthCare. I’m so fortunate to work with such a kind, caring and supportive team. We’re constantly learning from each other and bringing high levels of specialism to our Dorset community. Every day working for Dorset HealthCare is different, we cover a large patch working with many different MDTs supporting patients with their swallowing and communication needs. Neuro, mental health, brain injury, progressive neuro, criminal justice, palliative care we cover it all.

Lunch breaks by the sea? Yes please, come and join us!

Sarah

My name is Sara and I have worked as a Speech and Language Therapist for 5 years.

I have worked for Dorset HealthCare in three different roles, adults with learning disabilities, paediatrics and now with community adults. I have been here for just over a year and have been fully supported by my fantastic team to be dysphagia competent and a as a developing band 6.

Every day is so different and definitely not monotonous in community.  I really value being able to see patients in their own home to assess/give advice on their swallowing and/or communication, and I am in a good position to support their families and carers.

The team are very forward thinking and the training, CPD and development opportunities are really motivating.

We are a social team, often go for walking supervisions and we can’t wait for you to join us on this year’s lunches on the beach!

Imogen and Sara2024-10-09T10:19:05+00:00

Esther

2024-10-09T10:20:55+00:00

Hi, I’m Esther. I sort of fell into Speech and Language Therapy, because it meant I could pursue my love of language and science as well as helping people.

I’ve been working nearly 3 years now, and I honestly love it more every day! We have a chance to listen, help people’s voices be heard and give advice which people tell us genuinely makes their lives brighter and better.

I grew up enjoying the beautiful beaches and countryside of Dorset, so when I completed my bachelor’s degree at Plymouth Marjon University, I was excited to move back here for work.

The team here are amazing – so supportive of each other and helping me gain confidence and skills to work at an increasingly specialist level. I was also really lucky to be offered a split post with both adults and children for a time. I cannot recommend highly enough!

Esther2024-10-09T10:20:55+00:00

Chloe

2024-10-09T10:25:13+00:00

Tell me in a couple of sentences what you do in your role?

I’m currently developing my skills to work in critical care with patients with tracheostomy tubes whilst also seeing patients on the acute medical wards in relation to swallowing and communication impairments. I have a particular interest in respiratory dysphagia and dysphagia post cardiac surgery.

Why do you like working for UHD?

The multidisciplinary team are super friendly and approachable. I enjoy working closely with the respiratory physiotherapists and ward occupational therapists and always feel welcomed on the wards. The Speech therapy team are also super friendly and sociable.

What makes you feel proud about your role?

You never stop learning. The more you learn, the more you realise there’s even more to learn. I always feel like I’m developing and expanding my knowledge and skills.

Anything else you’d like to add about UHD/working in the NHS?

I get to jump in the sea before work and run along the beach after work- what’s not to love!

Chloe2024-10-09T10:25:13+00:00

Chiara

2024-10-09T10:27:29+00:00

Tell me in a couple of sentences what you do in your role?

I work with adult inpatients with swallowing, communication or voice disorders which arise as a result of acute or progressive conditions. I help patients, their families, carers and friends understand and cope with newly diagnosed communication and swallowing conditions, by for instance prescribing food or drinks in modified consistencies or providing augmentative and alternative communication advice and materials.

I work with the MDT to ensure patients have the appropriate means of nutrition/hydration to improve their quality of life, or to put in place the appropriate comfort eating/drinking advice is in place at the end of their life. You can find SLTs around pretty much all wards (cardio, respiratory, gastro, OPM, AMU, stroke..), just look out for the white uniform with yellow stripes!

Why do you like working for University Hospitals Dorset?

I moved from London to Bournemouth to start my first NQP job as an SLT. It is great to finally live by the sea again and so close to the New Forest. I like working at UHD because I have been welcomed by a fantastic SLT team and great MDT, and I have already had several opportunities to expand my knowledge of neuro/acute SLT and progress with my career.

What makes you feel proud about your role?

Knowing that many of the people I work with are discharged from hospital being able to enjoy some food and drinks, whether in regular or modified consistencies, makes me feel proud about my role. Supporting patients’ families, friends, and the MDT to understand more about what I do as an SLT is also very rewarding and worthwhile.

Chiara2024-10-09T10:27:29+00:00

Lucy

2024-10-09T10:29:39+00:00

“Hello, my name is Lucy Compiani. I am a Practice Educator in the Our Dorset Workforce Delivery Team. I started here in May 2021 on a twelve-month secondment from my substantive post as a Specialist Nurse for Children in Care at Dorset HealthCare.

I have been a nurse for over ten years, mostly working within Public Health, and when I saw this role advertised, I felt it was an exciting opportunity to be part of our Integrated Care System (ICS) and make a real difference to our future workforce in Dorset.

I had always been passionate about the importance of sharing good practice and expertise and had enjoyed supporting students and colleagues with their learning.

With the introduction of the Integrated Care System in Dorset, the Placement Expansion Programme, and the unique challenges that the NHS is currently facing-it felt like the perfect time to pursue my interest in development and education. The ICS commitment to supporting and developing a workforce with the skills and expertise to support people in Dorset to lead healthier lives, for longer, really resonated with me.

I was a little apprehensive about moving from a role where I felt confident and experienced into a new role, in a different organisation, but if 2020 taught me anything, it’s that life is too short, and it’s good to try something new and step outside of your comfort zone!

Dorset is lucky to be part of a Clinical Placement Expansion Project to increase the availability of nursing and allied health professional placements across primary care and social care. There has been a significant growth in student numbers this year across all healthcare professions. Applications in England have risen by 34% for nursing and 27% for allied health professionals and the Department of Health and Social Care have pledged to deliver an extra 50,000 nurses by 2025. There is real national recognition and commitment to the importance of expanding clinical placements to support the learning and development of our future health and care workforce, with Health Education England recently announcing an extra £15 million funding towards clinical placement expansion.

I really enjoy the variety and the opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across primary care, social care, NHS Trusts, Higher Education Institutions and Health Education England. Whether it’s identifying new placement opportunities, facilitating training for practice supervisors and practice assessors, providing pastoral support for our learners, working creatively to solve placement challenges, thinking strategically about our wider ICS workstreams, or working with quality teams to ensure a high-quality placement offer-each day is different, and there is a real sense of satisfaction seeing the positive impact our efforts are having.”

Lucy2024-10-09T10:29:39+00:00

Carlos

2024-10-09T10:42:32+00:00

How working in the Personal Health Commissioning team differs from front line services 

The job is very different from front line nursing, you don’t have same level of face–to–face contact with patients. As a clinician I was used to having lots of time face–to–face client contact. In my current role there is a different focus as we are not engaged in care delivery but working to ensure that we commission care appropriate for people’s circumstances. 

In Personal Health Commissioning we do not consider a persons needs in isolation and take a much broader and more holistic approach. Ultimately when people are referred to us it is because so the focus they are considered to have complex health needs so the focus is different. It’s not about diagnosis but rather about whether they have a primary health need or unmet health needs which mean they are eligible to receive an NHS funded package of care. We also liaise with their current health care professionals/providers to ensure they are meeting the persons needs and will ask ourselves “what can we do to improve and optimise their ability to function holistically? 

The role can be very tricky at times but ultimately the work we do can have a great impact on the quality of people’s lives.  

The challenges a Personal Health Commissioning team member might face

I’ve never been one to shy away from challenge so it’s great to have the opportunity to really get thinking and exercise my problem solving skills. Working in the Personal Health Commissioning team is almost like being an investigator because every case is unique and you need to be able to wrap your head around everything that has happened and the context of the patient’s medical history etc. I enjoy that!! It’s like a step on from a mental health assessment, but broader and more detailed… You learn about all of their needs, you see the whole picture. 

Who we need in Personal Health Commissioning

People who are inquisitive can thrive within Personal Health Commissioning as the work we do can often be rather nebulous. To get the answers you need people need to be open minded, and unafraid to ask uncomfortable questions. You do need to have a strong character to do this job, but you also have to be sensitive to people’s needs and situations. It’s really important to maintain that balance so you don’t get side-tracked focusing on the paperwork and loose the person at the centre of the process. It is important to be compassionate and empathise with the person who will be affected by our work. 

Carlos2024-10-09T10:42:32+00:00

Leslie

2024-10-09T10:42:30+00:00

Hello from Dorset! I’m Leslie, a mental health nurse at Dorset HealthCare. My wife and I (and our bulldog George) relocated here from the north in 2020.

We had friends in the area and used to visit them often; we really enjoyed being here and what it had to offer. We had a long-term plan to make the move to the south coast and when the opportunity arose, we took it.

I decided to take early retirement which gave us the opportunity to improve our work-life balance and made the move from Derbyshire to Devon. I was looking for a new challenge to enhance my skills as a mental health nurse. I now work as a specialist nurse within a very supportive and friendly team and work three days a week with Dorset HealthCare.

We live in Axminster, close to the Jurassic Coast, in Devon. I travel and cover North/West Dorset (Weymouth, Dorchester and Bridport). We get to enjoy the best of Devon and Dorset!

We now have a very different pace of life. I do Yoga on the beach in Lyme Regis every week, take day trips to Weymouth, enjoy great local food and BBQs on the beach and I am able to practice my surfing skills and paddle boarding!

Leslie2024-10-09T10:42:30+00:00

Julia

2024-10-09T10:43:08+00:00

Hello from Dorset! I’m Julia, a GP at the Blackmore Vale Partnership in Dorset, living in Sherborne.

I moved to the area after meeting a GP at triathlon club who spoke about how great Dorset is, and I was encouraged to apply for GP roles in the area. We decided to make the move from Yeovil and now live in Sherborne, working in Shaftesbury.

I then did my GP training in Dorset and never left. We bought a house and got married here. We love living in the area and do loads of outdoor sports. The beach is a 40-minute drive away and we do mountain biking, road cycling and kayaking.

We were used to travelling over an hour to the beach, so 40 minutes is fine for us. Being in north Dorset some things are slightly further away but it gives you the best of both!

My family and I now live in a market town. There are loads of restaurants and nice pubs. Yeovil is only down the road and we are close to all the big supermarkets and everything else we might need. We are also only two hours away from Cornwall.

With my brother living in New York, we regularly chat on the phone. Recently he mentioned he could see the stars that night – and only occasionally sees them. Living here in Dorset I can see the stars in the sky every night!

Julia2024-10-09T10:43:08+00:00

Christos

2024-10-09T10:36:49+00:00

Hello from Dorset! I’m Christos, a clinical scientist in Bournemouth. I’ve lived in three different countries and seven cities throughout my life, including Dundee, London, and Birmingham, but I always wanted to live by the coast.

My family used to buy Coast magazine, which would have stories of people taking a leap of faith and leaving the city to move closer to the sea. It was our dream to do the same – to finish work and go and swim in the sea if we wanted to. When this opportunity in Dorset came up I applied, and when I was offered the position I didn’t think twice – I just went for it!

We settled in Ferndown, which has the benefit of being 20 minutes from the beach and has the New Forest National Park right on the doorstep, which is great for cycling. I’m based in Christchurch, so my commute is only a short drive from home too.

I went back to London for a conference once, near where I used to live and I really struggled with the noise, the amount of cars, the crowds, and with how busy the city was in general – I couldn’t wait to leave!

We’ve been in Dorset for five years now. Quite often we’ll visit the beach with our daughter, and every time we leave feeling so lucky. We’ve never had any second thoughts about moving here.

I now work in one of only 15 teams across the country. I am the service lead for environmental controls. We help disabled people access appliances in their environment, for example things like TVs, lights, smart devices and computers. I love what I do and how I can help people live better lives.

Christos2024-10-09T10:36:49+00:00

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