Sharing memorable experiences

Life has changed a lot for Charlotte since she joined Nuffield Health 20 years ago. But thanks to the flexibility and caring culture we’re so proud of here at Nuffield Health, we’ve been by her side every step of the way.

Her career journey began with a love of sport.

“I've always been quite active and quite sporty, but I wanted to do a caring profession. My mum's a nurse and my dad was a surgeon. It was my mum that suggested looking into becoming a Physiotherapist. I thought it looked right up my street.” 

After a stint in the NHS, Charlotte’s priorities changed after starting a family. She never thought she’d work in the private sector. But the flexibility and support she’s received has meant she’s never looked back.

“I came to work for Nuffield Health, primarily because I had a young family and the hours and way that I could work flexed around the family. 

I could work part time or full time, increase or decrease my hours, work weekends if I chose to. And this flexibility has continued throughout my career as my family have grown up. It's just worked so well. I've never even begun to think about working anywhere else.”

With 20 years at Nuffield Health behind her, Charlotte’s seen a great variety of patients, caseloads, colleagues and locations. That’s what keeps her loving what she does. One thing that’s always constant is the sense of togetherness and team spirit at Nuffield Health.

“We're really lucky here, because it's a fairly small hospital that’s really personable. I've worked in other Nuffields when they've been short on staff and it's still got the same atmosphere. It's a real family. Everyone says it. 

Patients notice it too. It's really nice to be part of that. There are a lot of people like me who have been here for a while just because it's actually a really nice place to work. Of course, there are times when we get really busy. The last year or two has been really challenging at times. But everybody pulls together, and it is a really great team environment.”

It’s this close-knit culture that allows Charlotte to keep growing her experience and knowledge. As well as enjoying professional learning and development opportunities, the hospital team work closely together to bring out the best in each other.

“We're so lucky here because the consultants are really keen to teach you so you get teaching opportunities as a physio and as a nurse that you wouldn't get in a bigger hospital. 

If I have a question about a patient that I need to clarify, I can pick up the phone and speak to a consultant easily and that's a real luxury. It means that I know I’m doing the best job I can do for my patients.”

And that’s really what working at Nuffield Health is all about. As Charlotte says:

“The majority of people go into a caring profession to deliver the best quality care. At Nuffield Health, we have the facilities, the time and the opportunities to do that and it’s really satisfying. We’re getting people fit for life - so they can get back to the football pitch or the rugby pitch and beyond. It’s not just about the hospitals. It’s a passion we have across the whole of Nuffield Health. It’s a really nice feeling to be part of that.”