As part of Neurocare November, we’re highlighting just some of the amazing NHS staff who care for patients with a range of neurological conditions in Sheffield Teaching Hospitals’ neuroscience departments.
Last time, Emma Foster told us her story of working as a Senior Clinical Nurse Specialist in Progressive Ataxias, which you can read here.
This week, we’re hearing from Jill Marston-Giroux, a Clinical Support Worker at Neuro Critical Care, based at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. Outside of work, Jill is a keen runner, cyclist and fundraiser.
Jill’s own experiences as a patient on the ward have given her an insight into the difficulties patients face.
“A few years ago I was a patient on the ward at the Royal Hallamshire, after I had surgery for a benign brain tumour which has left me with a variety of symptoms, the biggest being a permanent hearing impairment. My experience lets me see what it’s like both as a support worker and as a patient.”
What is a typical day in your role?
“Day to day, I provide personal care to patients and assist nurses with all of their tasks; stocking, tidying and generally going all over the hospital for whatever is needed.
“I see my role as not only helping to care for patients but also to support our nursing staff, ensuring that they always have what they need to hand and enabling them to do their job sufficiently.”
What are some of the challenges you face?
“Sometimes being in neuro can be a little close to home for me but even though it’s challenging, it’s rewarding to support patients going through a similar experience.”
What do you enjoy most about your job?
“It’s a privilege to care for people at their most vulnerable time. I also love the banter and camaraderie between my colleagues.”
How has COVID-19 affected your department?
“As an Intensive Care Unit, we switched between looking after neuro patients and patients with COVID-19 on different wards.”
As well as caring for patients on Neuro Critical Care, Jill is also raising funds for Neurocare by taking on the Sheffield Half Marathon in 2021.
“Raising funds for Neurocare is very close to my heart not only because I work on the ward, but my experience as a patient means I can see both sides.
“If you are able to, please donate to my JustGiving page for the Sheffield Half Marathon at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jillmarston-giroux.”
