A personal insight into the faces behind HUC

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.