Miriam Carnan, Patient Support Worker

Miriam joined our NHS GGC patient support team in August. Miriam shares her thoughts on what life has been like for her since she took up the role.

Joining Visibility Scotland

I have now been in my role as a Patient Support Worker for just over two months, and I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all the ins and outs of the job. I work part-time, three days a week. I usually spend that time between different NHS GGC hospitals and the Visibility Scotland base at Queen’s Crescent.

Training

As a new staff member, I received a robust training and induction schedule to familiarise myself with Visibility Scotland and all the people and projects that comprise the service. My first stop for training was the Visibility office at Queen’s Crescent. I received an introduction to the database, and my colleague Audrey led a fantastic sighted guided training.

I was struck by how Visibility Scotland strives to practice what they preach and communicate in accessible ways. I explored the well-equipped independent living flat and the Digital Suite full of cutting-edge electronic magnifiers. I met the friendly Community Group while they were completing a knitting project and dropped into the Charged-Up Café to chat with some of the regulars and a delicious bowl of soup.

The Patient Support Role

I was then out at Gartnavel General Hospital and RAH in Paisley to get to grips with the role by shadowing Patient Support Team members. The PS team demonstrated the practical and emotional support that Visibility could provide, emphasising providing the right support at the right time. They also introduced me to some of the local support services that Visibility can refer to.

The team brings a wealth of experience to the role, and I could not have asked for friendlier, more patient mentors! It is obvious how much the team care about delivering excellent service. I often saw them going the extra mile to support service users.

Final thoughts

I’ve had incredibly varied days since going solo as a Patient Support Worker. I have travelled from Gartnavel to the RAH in Paisley and to the Vale of Leven Hospital. I got to know the eye departments and brilliant medical staff delivering low vision services.

As a Patient Support Worker, you can never really predict what will come through the door on any given day. However, I have really enjoyed that exciting element of the role, collaborating with service users to problem solve and identify what support would work best for them. I have spoken to service users from all walks and stages of life, and it has been a truly inspiring experience. Talking directly to service users about their own lived experiences is the best insight into eye conditions and the support required. I still have much to learn, but I thoroughly enjoy the process!