Our brilliant NHS praised many of their heroes last October at the Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust’s staff awards.
Among the nine awards that were given out, it was Whitstable and Tankerton Hospital’s Apprentice Healthcare Assistant Eilidh Kessack that was recognised with the Panel’s Choice award for her exceptional work during the pandemic.
Eilidh stepped into a fast-paced environment to provide comfort and care to patients and their families, often spending last moments with patients and relaying dying messages between patients and families.
Eilidh’s nomination described her as an exceptional young person with a bright future in healthcare ahead and CommunityAd were able to catch up with Eilidh Kessack to find out more about her fantastic work…
Growing up, did you always want to pursue a career helping people?
I am 23 years old, leaving school at 16 I pursued a career in banking, I was promoted to a Personal Banker but I realised that I wanted to pursue a career in nursing when I saw my family and friends helping people within the NHS.
I am now pleased to say that I am a first-year student studying Adult Nursing at Canterbury Christ Church University. I am also a healthcare assistant and have worked throughout the pandemic and also in the COVID-19 vaccination centre, this was tough but rewarding in many ways.
Who would you say are your role models in your career?
Growing up with a Registered Nurse for a mother inspired and encouraged me to be a strong, committed, and ambitious leader. Seeing my mother advance in her job while raising three children, caring for a spouse with Parkinson’s disease, and assisting others has encouraged me to become a more successful leader.
I aspire to become a similar RN as my mother as she has reformed ways of working to help peers and help patient safety. Also, the willingness and ability to learn new things to support people brings me great joy.
How did it feel when you were awarded with the Panel’s Choice award?
I was over the moon! I am so grateful for the nomination let alone being the panel’s choice, what a fantastic award. It has made me even more excited to pursue my dream in nursing, also I was so inspired watching and hearing everyone else’s stories in the award ceremony.
What do you enjoy most about working at Whitstable and Tankerton Hospital?
I love working with everyone at Whitstable and Tankerton Hospital, especially during COVID times as we all worked so closely like a family.
Now I have started university I am no longer there full-time, but I do go back occasionally to work, and every time I do it’s like I never left!
Your award highlights the incredible work you did during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, as devastating of a period as that was, is it right to say that the moments you shared with patients and families confirmed the passion and love you have working in healthcare?
Absolutely. I have always considered myself as a caring person and I wanted to use this in my career. It is such a privilege to be there for someone and make a difference in their lives. Even if I am just chatting to the patient I know I am making a difference! I love a good chat and it’s so interesting listening to their stories.
Looking ahead to 2022, what are the next stages of your career and where you would like to be in the next 5 years?
I have recently just been chosen to become part of the Florence Nightingale student council. This is an amazing opportunity and I am really excited to begin my journey becoming the voice for others including student nurses!
In the next 5 years I would like to finish my degree and start working when I complete my placements, I am sure I will then learn where I will want to go, there is so much opportunity for nurses!