RAH worker Gemma is so proud to follow in her mum’s footsteps
A Paisley woman who heads up some of the busiest wards at the Royal Alexandra Hospital has been described as an inspiration by her daughter who has followed her footsteps into the hospital.
Geraldine Sparkes, 38, was named lead nurse of two acute units at the RAH within just eight years of qualifying.
This Mother’s Day her daughter Gemma, who is a health care support worker, has thanked her mum for showing her what hard work and excellent patient care looks like.
The 18-year-old started working at the RAH in November with the support of her mum and is enjoying seeing her excel by leading teams of dedicated staff at the hospital.
“I’m really proud of her,” Gemma said.
“It’s really weird!
“At home she’s my mum, but when she’s working I see a completely different side of her.
“She’s so committed and professional – she takes the care of her patients so seriously.
“Because of my shifts I’m not usually off at the same time as my mum, so it’s great that we’ll all be able to celebrate Mother’s Day together.
“I had to sweet-talk my boss for the time off, but I’m really looking forward to it.”
She added: “I’ve got a few wee bits for her, and Mirren [my sister] loves arts and crafts so she’s been doing lots.
“I think it will be a lovely day.” Geraldine started working in the NHS as a domestic in Glasgow’s Leverndale Hospital aged 22 and so enjoyed working with the patients that she decided to study nursing.
The mum-of-two studied at the University of the West of Scotland while also continuing to work in the NHS part time.
She completed all of her placements at the RAH and now in less than eight years is the lead nurse for the acute medical unit and medical assessment unit at the same hospital.
She said: “There’s no denying that nursing has its challenges just now, but Gemma has seen firsthand the passion and drive we have to deliver the best care for our patients, and she’s now got a real motivation for the NHS.
“I’m so delighted about that, because I feel so strongly that it’s a wonderful job.
“There are so many different roles in the NHS that once you’re part of the NHS family the world’s really your oyster.
“I’d encourage any young person to come and work with us – and especially at the RAH!
“Working locally is great – we really feel part of the community, and to be supporting neighbours and friends is the best feeling.
“Gemma loves telling people she works at the RAH.
“I love my job, and I’m just so proud that I get to share some of it with my daughter.”
While the women work on different wards they love to start their day together and car share from their Hawkhead home, making sure to pick up an “essential” Starbucks coffee to set them up for the day.
Gemma - who started out working as a carer with the Richmond Fellowship while she was still at school - then makes her way to Haematology/Medical ward 10.
“I’m so proud of Gemma. She’s been working since she was 16 and has a great work ethic,” Geraldine added.
“It’s great to see her in a full-time job, and hopefully it will be the start of a great career for her.
“On Mother’s Day we’re all going out for a steak dinner.
“It’s all booked and I’m really excited.
“Because of Gemma’s shifts we don’t often get the chance to do this, but we’re both off and it will be really special.
“Happy Mother’s Day to all mums this weekend – and special thanks to my colleagues at the RAH who will be on duty caring for our patients, or any other mums who will be working.”
At home she’s my mum but when she’s working I see a completely different side of her. She’s so committed and professional