This International Women’s Day, we’re proud to be celebrating all of the amazing women who work for us. As a family friendly company with flexible working in place, we’re working towards breaking the bias so that women can have both a career and a family. We will continue to uplift and support each other as we work towards a more inclusive and equitable world for all women. Today, we are shining the spotlight some of our colleagues in different roles across the organisation.  

Chloe Wong

What is your name and what do you do?

My name is Chloe Wong and I’m the Administrator for Southport and Formby Primary Care Network. The Primary Care Network supports local GP Practices to deliver healthcare services for our residents.

What has been your greatest success?

I’m fairly new to this job so this feels like a difficult question to answer, but I feel that I have been able to quickly learn about quite a complex healthcare system and build effective relationships with my new colleagues.

What do you feel are additional challenges in the workplace for yourself?

Coming from a non-clinical background it is often hard to follow discussions at work, and it can feel awkward to ask questions when you don’t know what people are talking about. However I’ve learnt it’s important to do so, it’s the only way you learn!

Why is international women’s day important to you?

People can be quick to suggest that sexism is something that happened in the past, but if you look at statistics, studies, structure, and outcomes, such as the gender pay gap, or the gender pain gap, it is very much with us. It is also important to remember the struggles of our sisters around the world, and how there is work to be done across all societies. International Women’s Day is an important time for us to reflect on this.

Why Does Embracing Equity Matter?

Embracing Equity matters because we are all different and have different needs. Social progress will not be achieved by giving everyone the same support, because we all start from different places. If we can improve understanding of the concept of equity across society, I hope this can lead us towards a more compassionate culture in which more people thrive.  

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Lydia Johnson

What is your name and what do you do?

My name is Lydia and I'm currently a Trainee Advanced Nurse Practitioner working for the Enhanced Health in Care Homes Team. 

What has been your greatest success?

This is a tricky one to answer! A main one I think would be that I remain happily married to my childhood sweetheart, we have been together since we were 14 and we bought a house together to renovate when we were 19. 

Another would be my success becoming and working as a Nurse, I have always found such value, reward and purpose in my role.

What do you feel are additional challenges in the workplace for yourself?

I am daily challenged by our complex patients which I love! I am constantly learning and developing into a better Clinician as a result so I am thankful for the challenges!

A side note is that I am supported by a wonderful team of women who I am proud of every day and help me through.

Why is international women’s day important to you?

I celebrate international women's day by recognising and celebrating women who inspire me and those who have been and continue to be my role models in life for many reasons.

There is a story behind the photograph that I have chosen. Debbie who works on our EHCH team now was a mentor of mine as a student Nurse (approx 10 years ago now!). Debbie has always been one my biggest role models as a Nurse, due to her wonderful compassionate nature and always going above and beyond for her patients and their loved ones. 

Why Does Embracing Equity Matter?

For me, to embrace equity means to understand the journey required to achieve equality. It removes prejudice and works towards harmony and unity. 

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Natalie Cheston

What is your name and what do you do?

Natalie Cheston I work for the Federation as a Link Nurse and at St Marks Medical Centre as a Trainee ANP.

What has been your greatest success?

My greatest success is progressing from a newly qualified practice nurse to having nearly completed a masters to be qualified as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner and being able to use my skills to work collaboratively within Southport and Formby GP Federation.

What do you feel are additional challenges in the workplace for yourself?

The challenges currently in the workplace is the pressure of the lack of capacity within GP surgeries. There is not enough time in the day to see the level of demand and this can be a challenge because you want to do the best for the patients but also not burn yourself out.

Why is international women’s day important to you?

International women’s day is important to me because it celebrates the increasing importance of women’s role in society today and creates awareness for how we can all support one another.

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