We caught up with Sarah Ndebele, theatre manager (secondment).
Sarah has been working at Moorfields for seven years and her role involves ensuring that clinical standards are maintained and providing advanced support during surgery and patient care. She also manages schedules, co-ordinating with a wide range of teams.
Sarah is also a professional nurse advocate, supporting nurses with their physical and emotional wellbeing.
Moorfields is a place where I find working is fulfilling as it means working with a team dedicated to improving lives. Working at Moorfields is an opportunity to make a real difference.
Has there been one example or situation which has made you feel an additional sense of pride working at Moorfields and why?
This is when Moorfields gained the Pathway to Excellence. Moorfields was one of only 14 trusts in the UK who were put forward for this accolade. I was one of the Pathway to Excellence ambassadors, so this felt good.
When you’re not working what do you like to do?
I go swimming, walking, church and like to cook. I am also a ‘toast master’, this is part of a non-profit organisation which helps to develop communication and leadership skills.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given and how has this helped you ?
Look after myself first and that way I will be able to help others better.
How do you personally try and create a better work/life balance? Do you have any top tips to share with staff?
I usually start my day with meditation, followed by 15 minutes of exercise. I find this helps me to cope better with stressful situations in the day.
Kindness is one of our values. What does this mean to you and how do you strive for it in your everyday working life? Can you give an example of how you have been kind?
“People will forget what was said but not how they were made to feel” - Maya Angelou.
Listening to a patient tell me their concerns without interjecting, is one of the many ways I strive for kindness in my day.
Equity is one of our values. What does this mean to you and how do you strive for it in your everyday working life?
Equity to me, means treating everyone fairly and equally, giving them the same opportunities without favouring one person.
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?
I am always keen to find out what we can do as a team to work in a more collaborative way. By helping each other where possible and listening to each others concerns, the importance of each person’s thoughts are encouraged. An example of this is how we are working with the IT team as the change from Medisoft to Open eyes is happening, and explaining what would work for the clinicians.
How do you champion equity, diversity and inclusion in your current role? What difference have you made?
An example I give is by looking at your fingers. Your fingers come in different shapes and sizes but they work together. This is similar to how people are. Each person is unique with a talent which needs to be enhanced. Every person given a chance or opportunity will have a talent which will contribute to patient care and experience.