Can you tell us abit about yourself, your current role and responsibilities

I am a clinical lead working in the Home Treatment Team (HTT). I supervise 10 staff and cover the management role in absence of my manager. I am responsible for the audits of all notes and incident reports.

Also, I will see and treat the more complex patients and as a prescriber, I provide the team prescribing and diagnostic work.

What motivated you to do the Chartered Manager – Health and Social Care Degree Apprenticeship?

I like to challenge myself and ensure that I am keeping my brain active. It also helps that the course is funded by my employer. 

How have you found joining and studying a Degree Apprenticeship with your twin sister?

Despite being twins, we have different skills that complement each other.

I can struggle to get started on essays due to having some slight learning needs but she prompts me to write that first sentence and get things clear in my head. I am very good at reading and breaking down the information and visually due to my experience within a clinical lead role. If I am struggling with reading, my sister supports me and doing the Chartered Manager - Health and Social Care Degree Apprenticeship together, we can brainstorm.

Looking back over your time (so far), how have you found your Chartered Manager – Health and Social Care Degree Apprenticeship experience?

I have enjoyed it and already even in these early days, the Degree Apprenticeship compliments my work as a Clinical Lead.

Can you explain the challenges you’ve faced during your Degree Apprenticeship, especially working in the NHS?

I have been lucky enough to be given the time I need to do the course however, it can be difficult as this puts pressure on the team and staff are already at low levels due to COVID, self-isolation and stress.

We have worked through COVID so this has helped maintain a routine with my work and study.

How has long-COVID affected you?

I continue to struggle after having COVID as I have ongoing issues linked to this such as breathing issues so I cannot run as much, which was my escape.  I have also struggled with problem-solving so have needed to be more organised.

How have you been able to push yourself and overcome your challenges with dyslexia?

Using computer systems and dictation apps have helped to manage any issues linked to my learning and writing style. I have also been lucky enough to have a good team that I have worked with for years and understand my writing styles and needs. 

I am very good at selling what I am doing and sharing my experience as a way to support others to learn and develop.

Do you have any advice for future mature students interested in studying a Degree Apprenticeship?

The most important thing is to make time. I am aware that staff feel guilty about this but I find that if you filter the learning as you go into the team they can see and understand what you are doing which helps both you as a Degree Apprentice and the team as a whole.

My Manager says…

Sally is already showing maturity in her learning and putting learning into practice.

Apprenticeships are job-related learning. Visit https://www.cwp.nhs.uk/about-us/working-for-us/apprenticeships-at-cwp/ to find out more about apprenticeships at CWP.