Why Hollie’s medic role is just the tonic
WITH two NHS apprenticeships under her belt, Hollie Smith is now studying to be a paramedic.
The 22-year-old, from Chester-Le-Street, County Durham, completed her first apprenticeship in business administration, based at a GP surgery.
In that time, she also volunteered for St John Ambulance and decided to become a paramedic. She went on to study for a Patient Transport Service apprenticeship with North East Ambulance Service between March 2013 and 2014.
This meant she could get a place on a paramedic science foundation degree course — what she had wanted when she left school. The qualification is provided in partnership between Teesside University and tutors from the North East Ambulance Service.
Once qualified, Ms Smith aims to study for a BSc and a Master’s degree in paramedic science. She says: ‘I finished sixth form and began applying for university places through UCAS. But I was rejected by all except one of my choices.
‘Although I had an interview, the university didn’t accept me onto the paramedic science course.
‘I was disappointed, but I picked myself up and decided to spend the following year gaining as much experience as possible.
‘I began my first apprenticeship in a local GP surgery, training in business administration. That was when I spotted a Patient Transport Service Apprenticeship
EDUCATION & COURSES
on the NHS Jobs website.’ Ms Smith won North East Apprentice of the year in 2014, after being nominated by her managers at North East Ambulance Service for her patient care.
She says: ‘My role involved driving patient transport vehicles.
‘Working with mentors and experienced patient transport staff, I cared for patients with varying needs and mobility levels, driving them to routine appointments, completing hospital transfers and also providing palliative care transport.’
She adds: ‘I got the opportunity to interact with a wide variety of people from all walks of life. Going to hospital is never fun, so I liked being able to make people’s journeys to hospital more enjoyable.
‘I remember one particular patient, a vulnerable adult who was neglected by her family.
‘She was quiet and reserved on her journeys to hospital, unless she was engaged in conversation.
‘I worked hard to chat to her and engage with her, and I was happy to see that she eventually came out of her shell.
‘Whenever I was with her, I would try to make her feel as comfortable as possible.
‘I really enjoy going above and beyond to care for the patient.’
For more information about NhS apprenticeships, visit stepintothenhs.nhs.uk.