Staff A's Story

My Personal Journey from a Health Care Assistant to a Field Care Coordinator

At first, I was not so enthusiastic working in the healthcare sector even though I had worked in a care home as a kitchen assistant at the time (2005). I walked away from this position and joined the security industry where I worked for over seven years. However, the industry became insecure in the sense that technology advancement in this sector reduced the necessity of human labour. I gave it a big shot to join to join the health industry. My wife was quite inspirational and encouraged me to give it a try. In December 2013 on a quiet afternoon, I decided to browse the Internet to search for any nearby care service providers. I happen to come across what was then called Aquaflo care (Channel Sea Building) and now J.C Michael Groups within a walkable distance from my residence. I made a telephone call and soon I was invited for an interview. Although I did not have any experience, I was given an opportunity and assured of full training.

Weeks later, I completed the training conducted by Mr Sheyi.  After some days, I was assigned some duties to shadow a regular staff at a young client with cerebral palsy condition. It was very challenging being my first time in this role, but I survived and completed a few care visits. My first experience was not a good one. The client’s family were unable to facilitate the necessary extra PPE items.  I reported this to my line manager, but the family were still adamant about it. I informed my manager that I could not perform my duties safely without the required PPE. I was immediately withdrawn from this client.

Being a domiciliary kind of service, there was nothing much for me at the time in terms clients. In April 2014, I received a telephone call from Sheyi who informed me that there was some ‘juicy’ package. I accepted the opportunity to care for Mr WD with vascular dementia client. This client was even more challenging than the first client but as time passed by, I gained skills and techniques on how to support him. I forged a good relationship with WD, his family and the entire care home where he resided. I worked with WD for over four years until his health deteriorated and unfortunately, he passed away. I recall attending his funeral and as a Chelsea fan, his family made sure his casket was covered in a blue Chelsea flag. WD’s family were so supportive and warm from day one till his last days.

For over eight months, I had no meaningful work but knowing how the health sector works, I was optimistic. I ventured for opportunities elsewhere like transport sector and I was offered a driving role. While going through the driving process, there came a call from my manager back then called Emma that there was a vacant ‘assessor’ position in Hackney branch. I did not hesitate for a single minute. I had an interview and a week later, I was offered the position. In February 2017, I joined the Hackney team. I got a warm reception from the team and I have since worked directly with some notable strong characters like Emma, Helen, Caleb, Gbenga, Sheyi, Bukola and Linda to mention but a few, whom I credit for their ever-relentless support and encouragement in my role.

I do not regret a thing having joined the health sector, I have gained adequate knowledge, skills and experience and built a good relationship with senior managers, fellow colleagues, frontline staff, clients and other associates within the health sector or other fields of work. I have had interesting moments, met people of all walks of life; those that are kind, friendly, warm and those that have been the opposite, but still I remain professional. I have seen JCM grow from strength to strength and a lot has changed in the right direction. We hope for the best!