Our People
Our greatest asset is our people. They are the heart and soul of our organisation, bringing their compassion, expertise, and dedication to exceptional healthcare to UHS every day. From our skilled clinicians and caring support staff to our innovative researchers and talented administrators, our diverse team shares a common mission: to make a positive impact in the lives of those we serve. With a commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment, we empower our people to thrive and grow both personally and professionally. Discover the stories, experiences, and unwavering passion that define our remarkable UHS family on this page. Together, we’re making a difference in the world of healthcare and beyond.
Sheila’s story
Training, teamwork and future plans
From HR Manager to Healthcare Assistant. Sheila’s discovered a new lease of life.
After working in HR for 20 years, I wanted a career with purpose, that aligned with my values and helped people. I reassessed what I wanted out of life and when someone suggested I apply to UHS as a Healthcare Assistant (HCA), I decided to go for it.
I had an interview to join the ultrasound department within a week. And a job offer within 24 hours. Despite having no experience, everyone was very supportive and I had a detailed induction and excellent training. I’ve now progressed into the radiology day unit where I help with pre- and post-patient procedures.
My time here has been wonderful. I’ve been encouraged to pursue further study and I’ve welcomed every opportunity going. I feel my colleagues really want to get the best out of me and I’m hoping to get on the Nursing Associate apprenticeship next and take my career even further.
I’ll be 55 in March, but I’ve got a new lease of life. I feel that for the remainder of my working life, I want to be working here, doing this role and I’d encourage anyone like me, to come and do the same. Whether you’re an experienced HCA or just starting out, search our current opportunities now to find the perfect role for you.
Do you have what it takes to help UHS lead the way? Search our current vacancies below.
Audrey’s Story
Transferable skills, adaptability and commitment.
From Military service to the intricacies of Medical Research.
I joined the Royal Air Force in 1998 as a Medical Assistant. Over 15 years, my role evolved into Helicopter Paramedic, where I faced the challenge of four tours in Iraq, five in Afghanistan, and a deployment in Kosovo on the Medical Emergency Response Team. My journey took an unexpected turn after I was injured in Afghanistan and honourably discharged from the Military.
When I had to adapt to civilian life, I’d looked at a lot of non-medical roles before I found my calling at UHS. I worked as a Ward Secretary, Admin Manager, and Office Manager and discovered my experience in the Military meant I was able to adapt quickly.
My role as Office Manager oversees Southampton Academy of Research (SOAR) responsibilities and supports the Research Leaders Programme (RLP). I came into that role without knowledge, and it was a massive learning curve. It's fulfilling to provide support, connect colleagues with experienced mentors, and offer training and guidance to address their needs. As the programme progresses, we hope that participants will have generated enough income from various research projects and grants funded by the programme to sustain their own research time.
As well as this, I’m currently the Co-Chair of the UHS Armed Forces Network. The network welcomes all UHS staff to join either as a serving member, veteran, reservist, from an Armed Forces family or as an ally. If you’re considering a career at UHS, you’ll need adaptability, openness to change, and a willingness to contribute to the team. My very wise Military Commander once said, “Legacy is not what you leave for them, it’s what you leave in them”.
From lifesaving work with the RAF to supporting lifesaving research, Audrey’s background meant she was able to adapt quickly.
After 15 years as a Medical Assistant in the Armed Forces, I was injured in Afghanistan and honourably discharged from the Military. I came into that role without knowledge, and it was a massive learning curve. It's fulfilling to provide support, connect colleagues with experienced mentors, and offer training and guidance to address their needs.
Do you have what it takes to help UHS lead the way? Search our current vacancies below.
Mitzi’s Story
Resilience, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence.
A leap of faith that led to a long and fulfilling career.
I was in one of the first Filipino nursing cohorts to come over to UHS back in 2000. With its location and accessibility, it felt like a bigger hospital with a lot of opportunities. The feedback I received from the panels before the interview was very good, and they made me feel welcome. That's what really stuck with me.
Coming from a smaller hospital in the Philippines, I initially worried about my experience. However, UHS operates on fairness and parity principles. I felt included, was offered the same clinical placement, and received training that expanded my expertise.
Language was a barrier, but being honest with the team about what I was comfortable with and willing to try, with feedback for improvement, helped me become a better and safer practitioner. If you're keen to progress and develop, you don't have to wait for opportunities - you can seek them out personally.
I started as a Band 3 Overseas Nurse and then became a Matron. My own Matron, Wendy, believed in me and backed me. She used to say, “You can do it. Why don't you try doing this?”, that really paved the way for my career.
I’ve now been here over 20 years. The reason I stayed here, apart from the opportunities, is the work life balance. UHS feels like a second family, and the values align with my own, focusing on putting patients first and developing the team to provide safe and effective care.
20 years ago Mitzi took a leap of faith and never looked back.
I was in one of the first Filipino nursing cohorts to come over to UHS back in 2000. I started as a Band 3 Overseas Nurse and then became a Matron. I felt included, was offered the same clinical placement, and received training that expanded my expertise. If you're keen to progress and develop, you don't have to wait for opportunities - you can seek them out personally.
Do you have what it takes to help UHS lead the way? Search our current vacancies below.
Blog and community content
Blog One
Blog One
There are several reasons why UHS was the best place to start my career in the NHS - the most important being job stability and growth opportunities. You get a lot of support in your role, especially from your colleagues. There’s a wide range of specialties that you can choose to work in, which offer a variety of career paths and opportunities for professional growth and advancement. The General is a big hospital which allows exposure to various cases, and you get to see a diverse patient population. This allowed me to gain valuable experience and expand my knowledge and skills in different areas of medicine. I believe it's an essential part of any young doctor's career.
MoreBlog Two
Blog Two
Blog Two
Before I joined the Trust, I worked in the marine industry. I was always interested in nursing, and I get a lot more job satisfaction because everything I do is helping other people. I like being able to do things for the patients to make them feel a little better - whether that’s making them a cup of tea or putting makeup on! These little things mean a huge amount and really improve their morale - that’s what makes my role so rewarding. My development has been great too, I was put forward to be a Moving and Handling Trainer – now the new starters tend to shadow me on shift quite a bit and I get to pay it forward by supporting them while they’re training.
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