It’s International Women’s Day on Monday 8th March. A day where we recognise and celebrate the achievements of women across the world, while also recognising the steps we can all take to help ensure the world is a more equal place for everyone. This year, we’re taking time to acknowledge the women working on the front line who have gone above and beyond, overcomimg challenges that were seemingly unimaginable just over a year ago. From hospitals to supermarkets, charities to pharmacies, read on as we celebrate the women who have inspired us over the last year, along with their tips on how we can remain positive during these challenging times. Our Healthcare Heroes Fiona Cowan, Clinical Nurse Manager Leading a team of over 500 nurses and support workers, Fiona’s role as a Clinical Nurse Manager involves looking after patients in Operating theatres, Day Surgery Units and Endoscopy suites. Over the last year, Fiona is also responsible for ensuring her team have enough equipment and supplies to cope with the increased demand, which results from the pressures the pandemic has placed on hospitals across the country. Not only this, Fiona has gone above and beyond to support her staff, looking after her team’s wellbeing by ensuring they have some time away from the busy areas to rest and regroup. Read more in our interview with Fiona here. Supporting the Local Community Stella Kelly, Community Locum Pharmacist Juggling work and family life, Stella’s role as a Community Locum Pharmacist involves dispensing medication, giving health care advice and delivering weekly medication to the elderly in her local community in Glasgow's east end. One of the main challenges Stella faces, along with many pharmacies across the country, is coping with overwhelming demand. Despite this, Stella has ensured the health and safety of her staff and patients remains her top priority, going out of her way to check in on her most vulnerable patients, and says the local community spirit helps to keep her positive during these uncertain times. We have a great team in our pharmacy and humour gets us through every day - the Glasgow patter certainly helps! When we started to wear face masks our front counter lady, Dorothy, was worried about not looking her best so I helped to bring a bit of bling to her mask! It keeps the customers laughing and helps us all to let off a bit of steam by having a giggle in this difficult time. Read more in our interview with Stella here. Random Acts of Kindness Pamela Aitken, Medical Secretary With a faced-paced role and constantly changing environment, Pamela Aitken is responsible for arranging in-patient admissions and transcribing patient’s medical notes. Although the job can feel overwhelming at times, especially with the increase in patients Pamela has admitted over the last year, the support of her team has helped keep her going during these challenging times. Despite this, Pamela still makes time to look our for others by doing random acts of kindness to help lift the spirits of others. It is such a worrying time for all of us, but we have a great team of people all supporting each other through this uncertain time. Read our full interview with Pamela here. Caring for our Key Workers As a thank you to our key workers, NHS Staff can enjoy 30% off our collections with NHS Staff Benefits. We also provide an exclusive discount for Blue Light Card holders. Contact us on info@arran.com for more information.
