Why did you choose a Degree Apprenticeship?

I wanted to obtain a qualification which allowed me to expand my knowledge and have a positive effect on my current workplace, utilising the theories learnt on a day to day basis, while preparing me for the next step in my career.  

Looking back over your time (so far), how have you found the whole experience?

I have found the course extremely satisfying. The course modules I have participated in so far have allowed me to bring in new practices to the department, which have had a positive effect on the team, aided in improving patient care, and allowed me to think far more strategically than I ever have before. The assignments have allowed me to step in to areas I wouldn’t have necessarily have looked into, which have allowed me to increase my collaborative working and understanding of the wider organisation.

Have you found any modules particularly useful to your work?

The operations management module assignment helped me focus on an area of the department that we were currently developing, in a slightly different way. By utilising the operations management strategies, I was able to implement a service redesign which improved efficiencies within the department massively. This not only had a positive impact on patient care by significantly reducing turnaround times for the patient, but it significantly improved staff morale, and opened up avenues of collaborative working with the clinicians. This has continued further, and branched out into other areas the department. This demonstrates the usefulness of the course in a nutshell for me.

What impact has the degree apprenticeship had?

Following process mapping and a change in flow within the department in relation to how blood films are made and reviewed by the BMS, we have managed to significantly improve our performance. This has been maintained 24/7 and at weekends. 

Most importantly, the average turn around time has reduced, which for locations such as AED, where they need to have a patient reviewed and correctly moved to the next step of their treatment as soon as possible, it can be the difference in having to keep a patient in hospital unnecessarily and breaching the turn around time, sending them home or moving them to the appropriate ward in a timely manner. It is also really significant as well as for the chemotherapy patients receiving their treatment sooner.

We have had positive feedback from AED on a few occasions, and feedback from staff working in the department was that overall they feel much more positive carrying out films now as there isn’t the backlogs that there used to be and they now feel motivated to do more work!

What are you enjoying the most?

Utilising what I have learnt by putting it into practice.

How do you find balancing work and study?

In my role I have quite a lot of freedom to work flexibly, so this has helped me manage the course around my day job. My senior managers have also been very supportive of what I am trying to do which helps incorporate and free up time needed. Making sure I keep on top of the work has helped also!

How are you hoping a Degree Apprenticeship will support your career progression?

I am hoping it gives me the skills, and the evidence to support my career development in to a senior management role. The strategic elements to the course are a massive part of the job roles that I am looking to move into, and I think having the ability to think in this manner will definitely  give me an advantage over others, in what can be a very competitive environment. I think the qualification itself will improve my CV when applying for future roles.

How has your role changed over the 20 years you have been with St Helens and Knowsley NHS Teaching Hospitals Trust?

I started  as a trainee BMS and I have successfully been promoted internally on a number of occasions. I have been in my current managerial role for the last 6 years and I am now looking to the next stage of my career following the completion of the course.

Would you recommend a Degree Apprenticeship, and do you have any advice for future apprentices?

I would definitely recommend a degree apprenticeship, particularly this course, as it allows you to develop on the job skills, which directly impact the work you currently carry out. I have found the whole thing very positive. Make sure you keep on top of your work and don’t leave things too late, always ask for help if you need it as there are a lot of support options available.

What is next for you?

Continue to complete the course, and hopefully continue to improve both my knowledge and skills and have a positive impact on the workplace.