A personal insight into the faces behind HUC

Lara Galliford

At HUC since?

March 2023 – It has been a great first year and I look forward to seeing what my second year at HUC brings.

A brief overview of your role/what you do at HUC?

I am part of the Commercial Team and work as a Relationship Business Partner (RBP). As a RBP we strengthen HUC’s engagement and identify gaps within the market where HUC can develop commercial opportunities to support new business growth and promote integration that improves services to our patient population and increase revenue. Sophia  (HUC’s other RBP) and I both strive to build robust relationships and ensure greater visibility of HUC across our organisational footprint as well as geographical areas of interest.

Contributions/Achievements/anything you have been proud of with your work at HUC?

Throughout my time at HUC, I’ve experienced moments of immense pride, particularly  when I present to key external stakeholders and senior leaders.. The ability to confidently address challenging questions is a skill I’m steadily honing. With each encounter, my confidence grows.

I’m also thrilled to have received two nominations at this years HUC Heroes Staff Awards, one for Team of the Year and the other for Rising Star. However, I attribute this recognition to the incredible team I have the privilege of working with, as well as the unwavering support and motivation they provide.

Personal interests and hobbies?

I love food and fitness…cliché I know; I completed my first Hyrox race last week and thought I may require 111 after this due to underestimating the fitness levels required to compete in this! Other than running and weights I love to travel and am happiest when exploring.

Favourite TV/Show Movie

I love Mamma Mia, always have always will. The music and Greece being the two main reasons. Favourite TV show is Below Deck, nice to live vicariously through millionaires travelling the world in luxurious yachts.

What I wanted to be when I grow up?

It chopped and changed a fair bit but mainly a food critic or a personal assistant, I spent a lot of time in car journeys to France when I was younger watching Ratatouille and Devil Wears Prada so I think that’s where it stemmed from. I did qualify as a professional chef prior to my NHS career and this was one way, I got to critique my own dishes.

Favourite song?

Any ABBA/Elvis/Jackson 5/Billy Ocean. Basically anything you can sing on karaoke.

Any pets?

I lost my beautiful beagle Monty last year and I am quite happy just looking after other people’s dogs for now.

Who makes you laugh?

Growing up I loved John Cleese in Fawlty Towers but at the moment I enjoy watching Romesh Ranganathan and Chris Ramsey.

Highlight of your year?

I went skiing in January with a group of friends who had never skied before, the most enjoyable and entertaining week of the year so far.

Alice Coleman

At HUC since         

2017

Brief overview of my role at HUC

I work within the Clinical Assessment Service (CAS) team managing the Herts and West Essex Clinical Advisors, Agency Clinical Advisors, the Pharmacists and supporting with managing the other clinical groups within HUC.

My proudest moment at HUC

The team I manage and the team I work within make me proud. The CAS team have achieved so much together in the last year and improved the service for staff and patients.

My interests and hobbies

Reading, walking, cooking and boat work! (see highlight of the year question)

My favourite TV show or movie

Walking Dead

What I wanted to be when I grow up

A Paramedic – which I did!

My favourite song

Anything by Kodaline (my musical taste is very varied so it’s hard to pick!)

Who makes me laugh

Charlotte Thrale

My highlight of the year

Buying a big narrow boat!

Charlene Rawlingson

At HUC since

2021

Brief overview of my role at HUC

I have a multifaceted role at HUC, where I work as an NHS 111 Call Handler, Coach, Auditor and Trainer. My responsibilities include training new starters, mentoring graduates as they take their first calls, and providing ongoing support and feedback to colleagues in my capacity as an Auditor.

My proudest moment at HUC

I am proud to have been nominated in the HUC Heroes Awards and successfully become an accredited Trainer.

My interests and hobbies

Painting and drawing, photography and playing computer games.

My favourite TV show or movie

The Shawshank Redemption.

What I wanted to be when I grow up

A teacher

My favourite song

Dance with me – Orleans

Any pets?

My cat called Sampson

Who makes me laugh

My cat and my friends

Lorraine Boost

At HUC since
October 2018

Brief overview of my role at HUC
I am an NHS 111 Call Handler, Coach and Auditor with auditing being my main and most enjoyable role. The Auditing Team is like a family, we all support and help one another. I have dabbled in other roles too, I was a Team Leader for a while and have assisted the trainers over the last few years with training the new Call Handler and Clinical Advisor starters.

My proudest moment at HUC
I love following the journeys of new starters, from helping with their training, coaching during buddy shift week, auditing them in their go lives, then becoming their auditor and seeing them progress to experienced and confident health advisors. Knowing I’ve played a small role in their success is very satisfying.

My interests and hobbies
People may be surprised that I love hard rock/heavy metal music, and have done since being a teenager! I used to go to multiple gigs and have seen all the big bands in my time. I’ve slowed down now, and only go to one or two gigs a year.

My favourite TV show or movie
Silence of the Lambs is definitely my favourite movie, I’ve watched it so many times! I like loads of TV shows, Game of Thrones, Vikings, Breaking Bad, Dexter, The Crown. I have an embarrassing liking to daytime soap Doctors too!

What I wanted to be when I grow up
I’ve never been ambitious, I just wanted to be a mum! I have two grown up sons now in their mid twenties.

My favourite song
I love a song called Silent Lucidity by an old band called Queensrÿche

Any pets?
Yes, my fox red Labrador Gertie. She’s coming up to 9 years old now. Hard work as she needs two walks a day and is always attention seeking, but I love her to bits!

My highlight of the year
A lovely part of the year was visiting the Isle of Wight. We took our two sons and their girlfriends and had a lovely time.

Samantha Baker

At HUC since

April 2020

Brief overview of my role at HUC

Assistant Service Manager, West Essex and Senior Shift Manager/Despatcher

My proudest moment at HUC

Proud to be part of the wider team that contributed towards HUC getting “Good” in the recent CQC inspection

My interests and hobbies

Socialising with friends. Going to bingo. Roller skating

My favourite TV show or movie

Eastenders

What I wanted to be when I grow up

A Pilot.

My favourite song

Oh My (Feat. Moby), Luude, Issey Cross, Moby

Who makes me laugh?

My work friends

My highlight of the year

Progressing into my first management role within HUC in the Out of Hours service.

Kasim Siddique

At HUC since

September 2015, since the age of 16!

Brief overview of my role at HUC

I fulfil several roles: Senior Shift Manager, Assistant Shift Manager, NHS 111 Call Handler, Service Advisor, Despatcher and Out Of Hours GP Service. I have also recently assisted management during assessment evenings and interviews.

My proudest moment at HUC

I have been proud of my progression at HUC whilst being a full-time student. I have aspirations to become a full-time GP at HUC one day.

My interests and hobbies

I enjoy going to the gym and playing football as I feel it positively contributes to my mental and physical well-being.

My favourite TV show or movie

The Office (US)

What I wanted to be when I grow up

Footballer or a club doctor of a football club.

My favourite song

Manchester United Anthem

My highlight of the year

Progressing through another year of Medical School.

Who makes me laugh?

Lauren Pirie, Daniel Smythe, Joel Warwick

Joseph Choy

At HUC since
August 2012

Brief overview of my role at HUC
I am an Operations Support Officer which involves resolving any fleet issues, arranging for our HUC cars to be serviced and maintained, and therefore deal with car garages and insurance companies. I also support our Medicines Management Team with medicine deliveries.

My proudest moment at HUC
Completing the Level 2 RoSPA driver assessors course and being nominated for two HUC Hero Staff Awards two years in a row.

My interests and hobbies
Swimming, cooking, listening to music and travelling

My favourite song
Unfinished Sympathy – Massive Attack

Any pets?
Lhasa Apso called Chester

Louise Criscuoli

At HUC since?

I have been with HUC since Feb 2014, so coming up to10 years soon!

My role at HUC?

I am an Auditor and Team Leader for our NHS 111 Call Handlers, a bank Shift Manager and an NHS 111 Call Handler myself. So I perform a variety of roles.

My proudest movements at HUC

My long service at HUC is something I am proud of, watching the organisation grow, change and adapt. I am proud to have progressed from a weekend NHS 111 Call Handler to a member of the contact centre management team.

My personal interests and hobbies

I am a mum, so my hobbies are now what my children like, which is currently skincare regimes, shopping, gymnastics (them, not me!) and watching TikTok!

My favourite movie

Favourite movie growing up was either ‘The Power of One’ or ‘A Bronx Tale’ – both epic, I can’t choose between them!

What I wanted to be when I grow up

I wanted to be a lawyer, then I did work experience in a firm and realised it wasn’t quite right for me.

My pets

Yes, we have Daisy dog, she is a Jugapoo who is two years old and is an energetic little thing, but loveable all the same!

Who makes me laugh

A good stand-up comedian, all time favourite is Billy Connolly

Highlight of my year

Personally – seeing another year with my girls watching them grow.

Professionally – maintaining the relationships I have

Hayley Leckie

At HUC since

July 2013

My role at HUC

Transformation Project Manager. I am responsible for directing and motivating the project team to support the delivery of key milestones in order to take a project from start to finish.

My proudest moment at HUC

When starting in July 2013, HUC was a much smaller organisation than when I first joined and I feel I have taken opportunities that have run alongside the growth of the organisation and that in itself is something I am proud of.

My interests and hobbies

My children keep me far too busy with playing football and cheerleading for me to have any hobbies of my own!

My favourite TV show or movie

Grey’s Anatomy

What I wanted to be when I grow up

I didn’t really have a plan.  My parents quite often remind me of being a little girl and saying how much I would love to work on the tills at Tesco.

Who makes me laugh?

I have a very cheeky three year old little boy who brings a lot of laughter to our household.

My highlight of the year
Passing my Prince 2 Agile Foundation course in February.

Jacqueline Newell

At HUC since

January 2019

Brief overview of my role at HUC

Assistant Service Manager for Out of Hours (OOH) and I cover East and North Hertfordshire. I manage around 40 Out of Hours OOH) colleagues and our services at three bases. I am also a Shift Manager in Luton and Bedfordshire every other Saturday and manage the operations of the Call Centre and colleagues while on duty.

My proudest moment at HUC

I am proud to work for HUC every day – I love my job and the service we offer to the patients in the community. A few highlights:

• I have been proud to have worked on the 111 side of HUC for almost four years and I am enjoying the OOH side I have joined recently in April this year.
• Being nominated for three years in a row in the HUC Heroes staff awards has been a great achievement.
• Always learning; my time at HUC has confirmed you are never too old to learn. I believe I have proved that through my journey as NHS 111 Call Handler to where I am now.

My interests and hobbies

I love football and support the best team, Manchester United. I also more recently enjoy going to concerts and shows.

My favourite TV show or movie

Game of Thrones (which I refused to watch for years until my son convinced me to try three episodes and then I was hooked)

I have two favourite movies – Love Actually and The Notebook.

What I wanted to be when I grow up

First I wanted to be an airhostess but back in those days you had to be a certain height, weight and you could not bite your nails so I failed on all three accounts. Then I set my sights on becoming a travel agent, envisioning glamorous trips. However, reality struck, and my role involved typing itineraries for senior travel agents. As I continued working over the years, I contemplated a career shift to become a Labour Lawyer. Regrettably, I never delved deep enough into this aspiration, and before I knew it, life presented me with the responsibilities of raising two kids, caring for pets, and bills!

My favourite music and artists

Wham!, Duran Duran, A-ha, Depeche Mode, Tear for Fears and I like Reggae, Bob Marley and Peter Tosh songs. Also Imagine Dragons – Believer being my favourite and then there are some Avicii songs like Hey Brother and Wake me up.

Any pets?

My 12 year old “puppy” Ellie who is a yappy snappy Jack Russell but she is my companion and shows me unconditional love all the time.

Who makes me laugh?

Myself – if I do not laugh I would cry so I am all for the laughs!

My highlight of the year

Work wise – having a great appraisal in April and also being successful in my application for my new role as an Assistant Service Manager for OOH.

Personally – South Africa winning the Rugby World Cup and still having my Mum here with me to share each day with.

Suzana Jameel

At HUC since

Since my HUC journey began in May 2012 at HQ Welwyn Garden City, I’ve witnessed over 11 years of incredible growth. Watching the organisation expand has been a genuine pleasure.

My proudest moment at HUC

After a year, Julie Kropacz, our previous Head of Quality & Improvement who sadly passed away a few years ago, championed me to become an NHS Pathways Trainer. Her encouragement paved my career, and I’m honoured to represent HUC as an NHS trainer, sharing knowledge with others.

In 2019, being nominated and winning the HUC Heroes ‘Rising Star’ Staff Award.

Over the past 11 years, I’ve been proud to help implement and train colleagues for the NHS 111 service nationwide. I’ve been involved NHS 111 Call Handlers and Clinical Advisors in call centres.

My interests and hobbies

I find relaxation in cooking and experimenting with recipes. I also love traveling in the UK and abroad when I can, and spending quality time with my mum, nephews, and niece.

My favourite TV show or movie

Call me boring, but I adore Gardening, Farming, and Cookery programs! As for movies, Cinderella takes the top spot in my heart.

What I wanted to be when I grow up

I wanted to be a weather girl! (Explains my ongoing obsession with weather forecasts.)

My favourite song

‘Let Somebody Go’ by Coldplay. It holds a special place, reminding me of my late father.

Who makes me laugh?

At work I would say Gareth Lankester and Paul Wilberforce always bring humour to the office. Their funny stories lighten up the day.

My highlight of the year

The year has zipped by, but a standout moment was visiting Devon to help train for the revamped model, where all dental calls in the SouthWest are now assessed via Pathways for the first time, in a homeworking setting.

Sarah Robertson Goldsworthy

At HUC since
2015

My proudest moments at HUC
I am incredibly proud of being an integral part of the organisation’s growth journey and securing contracts for Herts, Luton & Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, West Essex IUCs, and various other services.

Notably, the recent merger with Devon Doctors marks another significant milestone. One aspect that particularly stands out is the expansion of the Commercial Team. Starting from just myself in 2015, it has now evolved into a comprehensive unit encompassing Commercial Modelling, Market Development, and Commercial Development. The advancements made in Business Intelligence are equally remarkable, evident in the improved quality of information, sophisticated PowerBI dashboards, and the increase of  analysis now provided. Additionally, having Contracting as part of the directorate has been a truly valuable addition to the team too.

My interests and hobbies
My interests span across a range of sports, with a particular passion for tennis and Formula 1, though I must admit, I do find some enjoyment in watching a bit of golf too. Cars hold a special place in my heart, having attended the Festival of Speed religiously for the past 15 years, as well as Goodwood’s Revival. Alongside this, I have a deep love for our furry (and not so furry) friends, animal welfare/concern is important to me. I also enjoy fitness but finding dedicated time for it remains a challenge. On a more leisurely note, you can often find me outside pottering about in the garden.

My favourite TV show or movie
When it comes to my favourite shows and movies, there are so many to pick from, and it really depends on my mood. One series that holds a special place in my heart is Ally McBeal, which I enjoyed whilst growing up. Another series that never fails to lift my spirits is Emily in Paris – it’s the perfect feel-good show, and I find myself binge-watching it as soon as it’s released. Neighbours is another one of my firm favourites; I’ve been a fan from the start, although I am not enjoying the re-launch on Amazon Prime. Now, when it comes to films, I’m a sucker for Christmas movies (only during mid-November and December),  Elf in particular is my favourite and I make it a point to watch it every year.

What I wanted to be when I grow up
I thought about being a Marine Biologist or a Lawyer …… and if all else failed, a Disney Princess at Disney World!

My favourite song
Oh so many to choose from, and I am in to all sorts of music from every style to decade. But Lionel Richie Dancing on the Ceiling reminds me of happy childhood days.

Any pets?
I share my home with two cherished beautiful house bunnies, Henry and Sammy, both boys are rescue bunnies (as have all my bunnies have been).  They enjoy the freedom to roam throughout the house during the day, and at night, they have their very own bedroom.

Who makes me laugh?
A variety of people for different reasons, but Josh Widdicombe is brilliant (not so much on TV, but stand up), Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant, Bob Mortimer and Henning Wehn to name a few.

My highlight of the year
Professionally – team growth and development of skill sets within each of my teams.
Personally – Celebrating my dad’s 70^th birthday – a landmark when I didn’t think he would ever see 70.

At HUC since
2019

My proudest moment at HUC
My joint runner up Rising Star staff award 22/23.

My interests and hobbies
I love going on holiday and exploring different countries! I also love shopping and spending time with my family.

My favourite TV show or movie
If I had to choose one film, it would be Mamma Mia. My favourite TV show is Vampire Diaries.

What I wanted to be when I grow up
I always wanted to be a dancer.

My favourite song
Would I Lie To You? Charles & Eddie and When I See U – Fantasia

Any pets?
I have a nearly 2-year-old French Bulldog, Baloo.

Who makes me laugh
My dog makes me laugh every day with his silly antics, as well as my Dad.

My highlight of the year
Celebrating my birthday in Ibiza with my best friends!

Erin Barrett

At HUC since

September 2016, so 7 years!

My proudest moment at HUC

Working as an NHS 111 Call Handler through the pandemic and being able to support our team and provide care for our patients. I also took on the role of a Shift Manager in the winter of 2020.

During the Adastra (patient management software) outage, I stepped into the full swing of my Shift Manager role. It was a challenge and more complex than handling calls as a Call Handler during the pandemic. But, together as a team, we conquered it. I firmly believe that without this incredible team, both in the pandemic and during the Adastra outage, it might have overwhelmed me. I’m fortunate to work alongside such amazing people in both the call centre and the Out-of-Hours Team.

My interests and hobbies      

I absolutely love hitting the gym, cranking up the disco tunes, and throwing some heavy weights about. It clears my mind and helps tone muscles. Proud to call myself a “gym rat”! I started body conditioning in January, and guess what? I shed over 6 stone and bid farewell to Type 2 Diabetes!

As for hobbies, I’m a netball enthusiast when the season is on, and sometimes follow the National Football League. As of late, I’ve noticed a delightful shift. I’ve become quite the kitchen enthusiast, surrounded by music and getting lost in little projects.

What makes me laugh?

I’m typically a cheerful soul, finding joy in the little things. Dad jokes are my weakness, always leaving me in stitches. Bert Kreischer’s stand-up is my go-to for laughs, and I also enjoy Rob and Romesh when I do have a TV moment.

I also have a tight-knit crew of friends and we all seem to laugh at each other everyday.

Any pets?

Yes I have a dog called Jorge and a tortoise called Alan. I love playing with them both, Alan is surprisingly speedy and loves dog biscuits!

Janice Greenhill

At HUC since
September 2019 and I continue to learn something new every single day!

My proudest moment at HUC
Working with the teams through Covid was an incredible experience, very humbling to see how colleagues pulled together through the most difficult and challenging times.

The merger with Devon Doctors has also been an incredibly busy but satisfying time, and working with colleagues in the South West has been a real learning opportunity for me and several of my Executive and Senior Leadership colleagues.

So many things, but one to mention finally, having worked in the NHS for many more years than I am going to declare here, I have had amazing opportunities to learn both formally and informally. I have been lucky enough to be sponsored through both my BA and my MSc so as you can imagine, I am a great advocate of continuing education from one-off study days, through apprenticeships and formal masters level study. I am delighted in how we have managed to grow our Learning and  Development offering now with a huge portfolio of opportunities available, colleagues requesting programmes of study to support their career development has become the norm at HUC and long may it continue!

My interests and hobbies
Wine……. very cold and very dry Cotes de Provence.  Also I jog most days and I enjoy open water swimming, we are lucky enough to have a few lakes locally so I can be found with friends at the weekend avoiding the weeds and swans! Never more than a couple of kilometres so not likely to be crossing the Channel, but the sense of wellbeing that comes from cold water is exhilarating.

My favourite TV show or movie
The Bird Cage with Robin Williams, I also love Pretty Woman and all Harry Potter movies.

What I wanted to be when I grow up
Like so many I thought I wanted to be a vet, my careers advisor thought I would make a good teacher – they clearly hadn’t seen my handwriting or the scrawl when I try and write on a wall board.

My favourite song
Ferry Across The Mersey – even I am not old enough to remember when it was released but it tugs at my heartstrings!  

Any pets?
My daughter has a Chihuahua who barks at the slightest noise, brave as a Rottweiler indoors, scared of her own shadow outdoors!

My highlight of the year
My son and daughter-in-law finally had their Covid-delayed wedding. A fantastic day in Oxford, surrounded by friends and family, the celebrations stretched over three days, it was simply perfect and I don’t think it could have been better

Sian Moles

At HUC since
I started at HUC on 18 October 2021.

My proudest moment at HUC
Winning the ‘Outstanding Achievement’ award this year in the HUC staff awards.

My personal interests and hobbies
Gardening, reading and listening to music.

My favourite TV show or movie
I don’t have a personal favourite with TV shows or movies but I do love a good crime/murder/thriller box set that I can watch with the hubby such as Luther, Silent Witness, Line of Duty etc

What I wanted to be when I grow up
An Olympic show jumper after having my own horse when I was younger.

My favourite song
I have no favourite song, however I do enjoy a wide range of artists and eras.

Any pets?
I have a black Labrador called Shadow, two ducks called Steve and Gertie and two love birds called Violet and William.

Who makes me laugh
Many people make me laugh but I have a soft spot for Hyacinth Bucket in Keeping Up Appearances.

Highlight of my year
A proud Mummy moment when my 22 year old son moved out with his girlfriend, buying their first property together.