The ability to change people’s lives

Meet Terry Darnell, Theatre Manager at Nuffield Health Cambridge Hospital. We spoke to Terry about his time at Nuffield Health thus far, his highlights, team and what made him choose Nuffield Health to continue his career in theatre.

Tell us about the team you work in?

Working within a Theatre department, I work alongside some very talented/skilled people from all over the world. The work we do in Theatre has the ability to changes people’s lives, this makes it very rewarding knowing that you have been part of this for our patients journey. No day is the same there are many days that are very stressful that can take a toll on your mental health and wellbeing but the people around you almost become your extending family who do look after you supporting and caring for you when days are hard.

Why did you choose to work at Nuffield Health?

It was a mixture of reasons why I chose to work here and for Nuffield Health. Having worked for the local NHS (CUH) earlier in my career I had worked alongside some of the theatre staff and the consultants previously, so I knew whom I would be working with. The hospital is local for me to commute to and from work, which was importance with having a young family. I have also worked for the last 7 years in the private sector I had always heard of good things with Nuffield Health.

What’s your favourite thing about working at Nuffield Health?

The many challenges of needing to turn a department around implementing improvements, structure, leadership and supporting its growth from both staffs developments and the business development.

What is your career highlight/s?

I would say it was when I was the Resuscitation office/Lead at another hospital whilst also being the deputy Theatre manager at the same time. This was a massive personal challenge for me to achieve but I did. Being the Resus lead the services needed to be reviewed and brought back in line with the recommend guidance. Everything from staff training, audits, updating stores and equipment to running hospital wide scenarios, to writing the ToR and SOPs I managed and improved. This was recognised and commented on by the CQC visit and I was invited to support central Resus committee for the cluster.