Pauline Woolman is the Senior Nurse at DHC. She explains what a typical working day is like.
I have worked in nursing for the whole of my career. I wanted to become a nurse from a young age. I have always liked caring for people and feel that nursing is a worthwhile vocation, where you feel valued and can really achieve job satisfaction.
I have worked at DHC since 2005 when the organisation was formed by local GPs, with the aim of providing high quality outpatient care in a community setting for the benefit of patients. In my work at DHC, no two days are ever the same. This variety is one of the reasons why my job is so interesting.
I manage the smooth running of the Outpatients Department, providing adequate staffing and consulting rooms for up to 60 clinics per week, in a wide range of specialities, at Dorking Hospital and at DHC’s satellite centre Holmhurst Medical Centre in Redhill.
I have a specialist interest in dermatology and support seven dermatologists who hold various clinics including minor-ops and complex maxillofacial surgery. I regularly assist in minor-ops for dermatology (skin conditions) and ophthalmic (eye) procedures; hold 8-weekly patch testing clinics for dermatology to determine if a patients skin condition is caused by an allergy; take blood samples from patients (phlebotomy) that will be examined in a laboratory to diagnose diseases and conditions; fit 24/48 hour Holter Monitors and electrocardiograms (ECGs) for heart assessments; spirometry tests to help diagnose lung conditions and uro-flow + bladder ultrasound clinics to assess urinary and bladder function.
At DHC I am able to have direct patient contact and work closely with the Consultants, helping to ensure that the patient journey is as smooth and stress free as possible.
I have always enjoyed my work and feel privileged to lead a strong and supportive team of nurses and healthcare assistants. I feel very fortunate to experience job fulfilment and to be able to make a real difference to improving the patient experience at DHC. I look forward to developing professionally in a dynamic and expanding organisation.
