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Dereck Stevens
...talks about working in the NHS.
I am a 60 year old T12 incomplete spinal injured paraplegic.
After leaving Stoke Mandeville in 1998, I spent the first year getting my home life back in order, house conversions etc. I then felt fit and able enough to try and get back into the workplace. Meanwhile I obtained some computer knowledge and qualifications as well as participating in some voluntary work. I cannot recommend highly enough both of these options even for the effort of just leaving the house. I applied for many positions I was perfectly qualified for and able to perform. Then came the snags such as getting an interview, access to the premises and work area etc. Beware the potential employer tying to make up there quota of disabled interviewees. Do not despair, persevere, be honest about your disability and needs and ask relevant access questions before accepting an interview.
I was offered a position on the bank administration staff with my local NHS hospital in 2001. Soon after accepting this, a vacancy became available as a Receptionist. This was a part time/job share vacancy. I was asked if I wished to be considered for this position and was invited to look at the access and facilities. I accepted the job and before commencing the trust carried out certain minor modifications to the work area such as lowering work surfaces and electrical sockets.
I am still in this job. My disability or age has never been an obstacle in carrying out my duties; in fact both have been an asset. I deal daily with the public and always endeavour to be polite, laugh with them when I have to, be sad when I have to and generally make the public´s first impression of the hospitals environment as stress free as possible. My many years spent dealing face to face with the public in the past has been a great asset and I have in fact been told that a younger person would probably struggle dealing with some of the difficult situations I frequently encounter. My disability also allows me to have a certain empathy with the patients.
Like most NHS trusts throughout the UK my current employers are struggling financially. Recently 500 job losses, including my own, (out of a workforce of 5500) were announced. I have been offered an alternative, but cannot get access to the current working area. Various departments have been in negotiations with me and we have arrived at a suitable solution, whereby by moving certain equipment I can remain in my current locality, thus allowing me access to a disable toilet, parking etc.
Solutions can be found, don´t be afraid to ask. My manager has stated that he feels I am too valuable employee to loose and by simple negotiations we have found the ideal compromise. It has worked wonders for my self esteem to be told of my value.
Finally I would give the following advice to any spinal injured person trying to go back into the workplace.
Keep persevering. I know it is very difficult. Like the rest of the situations we have all encountered, you will take more backward steps!! Than forward.
Many obstacles will be put in your way.
- If you have the right training and qualifications you have as much right as an able bodied person to that job. Work closely with your potential employer on perceived problems such as access. They may find, as my employer did, there may only be minor modifications necessary. They may also not be as expensive as first thought. Remember you also have the DDA legislation behind you.
- Don´t let age be a barrier. As I have already outlined, my age has been an asset rather than a hindrance.
- Try as I did some volunteering and retraining particularly in computer skills.
- Financially besides my DLA, I also get a wage plus Disabled Tax Credit which is a great help.
- Mentally going back into the workplace has been great for me and physically I have felt so much better.
- At interviews STRESS the POSITIVES as to why you should have that job. By being positive you overcome the negatives. Easier said than done but obvious really.
- My workmates have always considered as a valuable colleague and my disability is very seldom mentioned. I usually do the ribbing rather than the other way round.
- GO FOR IT AND THE VERY, VERY BEST OF LUCK. I HAVE PROVED IT CAN BE DONE.
Dereck Stevens.
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