Local GP helps Stanley resident get back to work
GP, Dr Bisson, from Stanley Health Centre signposted a patient to Derwentside Employment Team. Three days later Patricia Marsden, 58, started work.
Martina Blake a Specialist Employment Advisor for Derwentside Employment Team, is based at the Health Centre every Thursday morning to chat to people about their options for returning to work.
“I spoke to all the GP’s at the Centre, explaining the many successes we’d had helping people find work. They were really interested to hear that in many cases the individuals had greater self esteem, confidence and improved overall mental health”. She added, “The work of Derwentside Employment Team really does prove that ‘Work is good for you’.”
Dr Bisson was fully on board with the idea of an Employment Advisor working out of the surgery, understanding the strong link between health and work, he didn’t hesitate to point Patricia in Martina’s direction.
“I was amazed at the speed at which my patient found work with the help of Derwentside Employment Team following a long period off work” He went on to say “I think this is a very valuable service and will be offering it to many more of my patients in a similar position.”
Patricia, who lost her partner last year and cared for her brother in law until he also passed away, was claiming Incapacity Benefit but was really keen to get her life back on track. She explained “I saw Martina at the Health Centre on the Thursday, she spent a lot of time with me, she’s a lovely person, very helpful, and really listens”.
When Patricia left school she got a job as a Sewing Machinist but was really surprised when she was offered the job at AA Flags, having not done it for a number of years.
Mandy Scott, from AA Flags interviewed Patricia “Patricia is a lovely lady, and is fitting in well with the rest of the girls here. Sewing is like riding a bike, even when you haven't done it for a while, you never forget, and I am sure she will soon be a valuable member of our team. She is always chirpy, chatty and willing to learn new skills.” She added “Here at AA Flags, we try to encourage staff training where possible and I have spoken to Pat regarding undertaking an NVQ level 2 in Business Improvement Techniques which she is keen to get started. I just wish we could obtain more staff like her, as good machinists are hard to find”
Patricia commented “I think the nicest thing was that Martina was genuinely pleased to hear I’d got the job, I’m really enjoying working with some ladies I used to know years ago”