This year Ramsay Health Care celebrates 60 years of global expertise in healthcare. We have interviewed some of our people who form a key part of our success, providing outstanding patient care across our network of Hospitals.
We speak to Sharon Needham, Clinical Quality Partner as she celebrates 41 years with Ramsay Health Care UK.
How long have you worked at Ramsay and what is your current role, what role did you start with and what role(s) have progressed through?
I started at the Fitzwilliam Hospital in April 1983 as a Staff Nurse, I had been qualified for 6 months working on an orthopaedice ward. During the next 22 years I progressed my career from
Staff Nurse
Senior Staff nurse
Junior Sister
Ward Sister
Ward Manager
Hospital Matron (for 12 years)
I was then given the opportunity to join the Spine Chain Team project which involved opening 9 Treatment Centres, reporting to the medical Director for Capio in Sweden. Very quickly after joining the team I became the Clinical Lead. After this project ended, I went to work for the Director of Clinical Services as part of the central clinical team, responsible for clinical quality, CQC registration, and continued to support in new hospital developments.
During my time working centrally I have had the opportunity to visit Sweden, Denmark, France, and America to look at other health care systems.
I have continued to work for the Central Clinical Team for 19 years, having had several changes of title but always focussed on clinical quality and patient safety.
In January 2024 after 40 years plus service I was lucky enough to be given to opportunity to reduce my hours to have a better work life balance.
What is your most memorable experience/ greatest achievement you've had during your time with Ramsay?
Difficult to answer! Here is a few;
• Leading a team to introduce care pathways across what was then Community Hospitals,
• Clinical Lead for the Spine Chain Project successfully achieving CQC registration working for Capio.
• Working with the team at the Dean to move from Inadequate to Good CQ rating working for Ramsay.
• Helping to lead Ramsay safely through the COVID pandemic.
What do you love most about working for Ramsay?
The people I have had the opportunity to work with now and in the past and being able to make a difference and influence change in practice.
What is something that makes you smile during your workday?
When I can cross items off my to do list, when I get positive feedback on something I’ve work hard to achieve. Also, when one of my HoCS in my cluster achieve something, they have worked hard to achieve.
Why would you recommend working for Ramsay to someone else?
• The people
• Opportunity to influence clinical practice
• Training opportunities