First up, we hear from Joan Ingram, our esteemed Head of Nursing within the Theatres and Anaesthesia Department, as she tells us how it feels to be included in this incredible piece of art.
How does it feel to be included in the sculpture?
Discovering that I had been included in the sculpture was a wonderful surprise. At first, I wasn’t even sure it was true, as I hadn’t heard anything about it beforehand. Knowing that someone had nominated me for such an initiative is truly a huge compliment.
In your career what achievements have stood out to you the most?
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work in several prestigious NHS organisations, but for the past 11 years, I have worked at Leeds Teaching Hospital’s NHS Trust. I’ve spent the majority of my career working in operating theatres, and I feel privileged to have worked alongside such talented and dedicated colleagues who have both inspired and shaped me into the nurse I am today.
I’ve always valued continuous learning, which has led me to pursue several academic courses to further my career and I have also gained a Master of Science degree in Health and Social care leadership. A highlight of my career has been working with the Modernisation Agency on the Improving Operating Theatre Performance Programme. This experience not only enhanced my skills but also gave me the opportunity to share knowledge and insights from across the different areas I have worked in.
What influenced/why did you choose to have a career in the NHS?
As I approached the end of my school years, I was still unsure about which career path to take. A close friend had recently started a pre-nursing course and suggested that I consider nursing, believing it would be a perfect fit for me and something I would truly enjoy. She was absolutely right. Her encouragement was the spark that led me to discover my passion for nursing, and I owe my long and fulfilling career to her insightful advice.
What message would you like to say to the public who nominated yourself to be recognised on this project?
It is a great honour to be recognised for doing the job I love. I don’t feel that I do anything different from my colleagues, with whom I work alongside every day, but I am truly grateful for the recognition of my contribution to nursing.