It is nearly 30 years ago when I first left the comfort and familiarity of Cornwall, to start an undergraduate course up in the North East of England, back in 1993. I can still vaguely remember the mixture of apprehension and excitement as the train pulled out of the station at St. Ives…from the seaside to the big city! The start of a new adventure.
Little did I know, at the time, that this was the seed planted; one that would germinate slowly, to grow into a career as a NHS Dietitian.
Once qualified, it was then time to join the recruitment roulette; the spin of which led me to the old industrial heartlands of the West Midlands for my first position. From there, the subsequent 20 years, have in many ways become somewhat of a blur! However, that being said, I have been very fortunate to have gained a broad range of clinical experience over the years. I have worked within a number of clinical specialisms/areas including Gastroenterology, Acute Nutrition Support, Oncology, Community dietetics, as well as clinical leadership and managerial positions. Each position opened up a new window of opportunity for learning and development. I can reflect back on the many enjoyable and rewarding times working alongside wonderful colleagues, and service users, to help provide and deliver better care.
But, it is unquestioningly the internal, personal challenges that have hitherto provided the greatest lessons. All this has more recently led me to pursuing my next chapter in the field of Mental Health. An area – forged from my own trials and tribulations – that I have found both passion and a true sense of purpose. My stars were aligned when I was offered a new Community Mental Health Position early in 2022. I am so fortunate to work as part of an incredible Dietetic and wider Multidisciplinary Team.
It is both humbling and life affirming, providing the opportunity to serve some of the most misunderstood, marginalised and vulnerable people in our Community. Every day I am reminded of what a privilege it is to work as a Mental Health Dietitian for the NHS.