Until last week, I hadn’t stepped foot on a hospital ward since leaving the NHS in 2022. 🏥

However, last week I was there daily, visiting my Dad who has recently gone through a major surgery.

I am pleased to say that the surgeons were very happy with the procedure and he is now well on the road to recovery!

However, being back in the hospital environment brought up emotions and memories that I did not expect.

Even though I regularly speak to many of my old colleagues who are in the NHS, being on a ward from the perspective of a visitor, made me reflect on my professional experiences with a new perspective.

I had the chance to chat to different clinicians as to how they were coping and our conversations made me think about 5 things I would tell my younger self to keep in mind.

1. A smile makes a real difference

2. Your encouragement means a lot

3. Appreciate your expertise

4. Don't forget the bigger picture

5. You are changing lives

Please feel free to share this with someone you know who works in healthcare. 💙

Perhaps they can also serve as a reminder as to the impact we can all have on the people we meet each day.