We caught up with Molly Randall, eye care liaison officer (ECLO).
Molly has worked at Moorfields for almost five years and her role involves bridging the gap between the clinical element of sight loss and the practical and emotional support available to patients.
I have the most wonderful and supportive team. They are always supporting me and are all so genuinely interested in my life outside of work too.
When you’re not working what do you like to do?
When I’m not working, I love to dance. I attend Ballroom and Latin classes specifically designed for people with low vision through Step Change Studios. They are fantastically run, so inclusive and so much fun. This year we actually were lucky enough to compete in the Open Worlds up in Blackpool (yes on THAT dance floor!) and all the practicing paid off as I managed to snag a win in the blind and partially sighted category for ballroom. I also came second in the Latin category which I’m so proud of.
As it was a landmark event being the first time for this category to have ever been included in the UK (and as far as we are aware, the world), it was such an honour to be crowned the first ever champion for ballroom!
Working together means we collaborate with one another, with our patients and with other organisations. Can you give an example of a collaborative way you work?
Collaboration is a huge part of our role as ECLO’s. We work with every clinic and all corners of the hospital to ensure that patients receive the right support at the right time. We rely on our colleagues to deliver excellent medial support and in return, our colleagues from all over Moorfields rely on us as ECLO’s to provide our patient with the knowledge, skills and confidence to find the correct support for them, be it cane training, adaptions, counselling or connection with others going through sight loss. We are here to point patients in the right direction and empower them to get the support they need. Without the whole Moorfields team we just couldn’t do this.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given and how has this helped you?
If you keep making the same mistakes, you haven’t learned the right lesson yet, give it time and I promise you will.
How do you personally try and create a better work/life balance? Do you have any top tips to share with staff?
As a mum to an extremely delightful and rather excitable toddler, work life balance is key. I am still working to figure out a great work life balance so any tips are very welcome!
Are you a member of one of our networks (BeMoor, MoorAbility, MoorPride) or an ally? Why is this important to you?
I am a member of MoorAbility which aims to make disability normal in the workplace. We want Moorfields to be an employer of choice that supports colleagues with disabilities and long-term health conditions.
MoorAbility strives to ensure every one of our staff members experience Moorfields as a kind, equitable and inclusive place to work. Not all disabilities and long-term health conditions are visible; the network helps line managers to support their staff to be the best they can be at work, regardless of any health conditions they experience.
MoorAbility is a lovely community, really open to new people and new ideas. The network is all about supporting positive change. I suggested MoorAbility would benefit from branded badges to increase its profile in the staff community – this idea was taken forward. I encourage everyone to consider joining or taking part in a meeting (you don’t need to be a member to join meetings).