What do you have for breakfast?
I have half a bowl of plain shreddies mixed with a half a bowl of chocolate shreddies. Plain is for mains, and chocolate for dessert.
But the milk will actually turn all of them into chocolate ones… so I know who is winning!
What clinics do you work from?
Every week looks different for me, but there are a few days I like to keep the same.
On Monday I will be locked away in my office for the day. This gives me the time to look at how the region is doing, and to make plans on how to make it even better. Every Friday I am always in the Farringdon clinic seeing my own patients.
Between the other days I can be here, there and everywhere. The region spans from Reading to Ipswich so it takes quite some time to travel around.
When did you join Ascenti?
November 2010. I started in Stoke but moved to London six months later, and have been here ever since.
What does a typical day involve?
Every morning will start off with looking at how busy the diaries are on our patient management system, and making any necessary changes.
The rest of the day will be a mixture of phone calls, physio meetings, meeting with other managers or mentors, and speaking with HR.
Can you talk us through one of the biggest challenges of your role?
Many of our physios join Ascenti as a locum and then transition into a static role. The most challenging part is trying to ensure that we get everyone in a location that they like or want to be in.
With 50 physios, it's a bit like doing one of those puzzles where the picture is just a million M&Ms! It's difficult… but so rewarding when you finally put the pieces together.
What has surprised you about your role?
People sometimes have the impression that managers are always so busy that they may be too busy to contact when they need support or help.
I’ve found that whether it be a Clinical Mentor, Regional Development Lead or Network Manager, everyone has always got time to talk! Our intranet makes it easy to get in touch with anyone around the business at any time.
What are the three best bits about your role?
I love working with the physiotherapists – every single one is great to work with. I have got to know so many people in this role, from all different walks of life, and I feel very privileged to have done so.
The socials we have are just fantastic, and the rivalry with South London (although they tend to never be much competition) is great.
I really enjoy working with everyone, particular those I work with on a regular basis, such as our Southern Network Manager, Recruitment Team and Head of MSK Services. They are all fantastic to work with, and it’s always a pleasure when we do.
