Day 12: Entitlement - forget it!

We want good things to come our way right?

Is it expected that we get what we want if we work hard for it?

My voice has been worsening since yesterday and at times during the PCPA Conference I thought I was going to melt. I’ve woken up today to find a pack of half eaten Nerds by my bed. I stayed over in London, as I’ve planned a trip to Firza HQ in Sandwich, Kent. I could not face an 9-hour round in one day. My voice is shot. I sound at best between Marge Simpson and sex call worker. (Misspent youth as a ladette; one of the boys, unfortunately I know what one may sound like).

Made it! First visit to Firza HQ, Sandwich - Kent

Still reflecting on the conversations and discussions about Primary Care Networks (PCNs) it got me thinking how lucky I am to be working with such an amazing bunch of people. Not so many pharmacists but a real mix of disciplines and personalities. My primary job is working at Slieve Surgery, based in Handsworth Woods, Birmingham. Various people constantly remind me that it’s a ‘fairly decent area for Birmingham’. I find the area rich in diversity and mix bag of what you would expect in a modern day population. I love the people that I’ve met here; they all have extraordinary stories to tell. The day job is demanding. Complex decision-making is gruelling and exhausting. Yet I still come into work with a smile on face. The practice team are incredible and yet they have no idea how amazing they really are. I kept telling them and particularly when I’ve overheard a good conversation or when they tell me something about what they’ve done that day. No one really wants to come work and especially when the work is this tough. But the Slieve Team make it bearable and worth it too, as we all work together to deliver of patient care.

I love the conversations that we share as a team. There’s a lot of banter and I quickly see people’s personalities and I listen to what happening in their lives. Whether it be that they’re super disappointed with the season finale of Game of Thrones or they’re concerned a family member is unwell. It really is the relationships that have built over time that gets us to the point where we work well together. Communication is so important – we must listen, we must understand each other and we must use relatable language. Why? It’s the essence of humanity.

The relationships I have built locally extend to those at the CCG, STP and the acute trust. It has all taken time. At conference I’ve heard stories where pharmacists have had the door closed and some unaware of who are the key people are in their PCNs, even unaware of whom their Clinical Directors are! I feel very fortunate that I’m able to suggest ideas and ask for help from the CCG, STP and neighbouring PCN Clinical Directors. I attend most local engagement events and I always try to introduce myself to make new connections. But do I feel I’m entitled to something in return of my hard work? Most certainly not. People will respond to you by how you made them feel. If you make them feel trusted, supported, listen to and respected, then I’d like to think you have formed a good working relationship. Humanity and kindness is much needed in this complex landscape, we all have this capacity to do this and lead a positive change.

Poorly me. Home by 20:00... 4.5hr journey not something I fancy doing too often!