Before coming to Benenden in 2003 I had mainly worked in renal care. My first sister’s post was at Guy’s Hospital and this gave me the opportunity to rotate through all clinical areas, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

I then moved to St George’s Hospital, Tooting as a sister on a medical/dermatology ward which had a small haemodialysis unit. Following a review of renal services across London, the hospital was asked to progress the development of a renal unit and I was able to actively participate in this process and saw the unit go from strength to strength.

In 1997 I moved to a neighbouring renal unit at St Helier’s Hospital, Charshalton, working as the Clinical Nurse Manager. During this time I reviewed and reorganised the nursing structure and worked to develop a partnership with St George’s Hospital.

In 2001, I was asked to become Clinical Manager for the Emergency and Medical Services Directorate across the merged Trust of Epson and St Helier. This included twenty medical and care of the elderly wards, two accident and emergency departments and two day hospitals. This was a challenging role, not least because it was on two sites but the Trust was performing badly and this directorate was the key to making improvements. My target was to do this for two years and then move to Kent. This I did and the rest is history.

My role has changed significantly during the last two years and now combines operational and strategic development.

On a personal level I am married with two daughters. My hobbies tend to be centred, like most other working mothers, around the interests of my children however I also enjoy walking and other country and family pursuits.