08 Mar 2022
Today, 8 March, is International Women’s Day. We will be sharing the stories of female role models here at the NHS in St Helens, using the #ThisLittleGirlIsMe theme to offer inspiration and advice to young women in St Helens. Read more about #IWD2022 at www.internationalwomensday.com
Dr Hilary Flett, GP and St Helens CCG Governing Body Member
This little girl was so very lucky. She had a Mummy who told her “there’s no such word as can’t” and “you can be whatever you want to be”.
I have achieved my dreams. I am a ‘lady doctor’ caring for families, influencing changes in services to improve patient care. And I am mother myself, telling my daughter “there’s no such word as can’t” and “you can be whatever you want to be”.
Never doubt your abilities, your thoughts and opinions are important, speak up and be heard.
Nicola Cartwright, St Helens CCG Assistant Director Medicines Management
This little girl enjoyed science - she was fascinated by medicines and wanted to become a pharmacist. On A-level results day I was told ‘’you will never get into university with ‘those’ grades’’. But I did… and I passed my degree! This summer I will have completed 30 years NHS service.
My early career was as a hospital pharmacist and for the last 22 years I have worked in medicines management in the primary care sector. I have also worked in community pharmacy and academia.
Never have I been more proud to be a pharmacist, proud to lead our fabulous Medicines Management Team and proud of the Pharmacy profession for our hugely significant contributions to the highly successful Covid-19 mass vaccination programme.
Never doubt your abilities, your thoughts and opinions are important, speak up and be heard.
Karen Edwardson, St Helens CCG Deputy Chief Nurse
This little girl was always curious about how the body worked and had lots of children’s books on biology and anatomy - I wanted to understand what ‘made us work’.
Following a career in nursing that included orthopaedics and critical care I have had many opportunities to see those early images from the books in real life. There have been thousands of pleasant and some not so pleasant situations, people and images I have seen in 35 years but without this, I would not be the person I am today and provide direction, guidance and experience as a Deputy Chief Nurse.
Never doubt your abilities, your thoughts and opinions are important, speak up and be heard.
Hilary Southern, St Helens CCG Governance and Corporate Services Manager
This little girl was brought up repeatedly being told “there is a time and a place for silliness” – so quite rightly I took my academic career very seriously and got myself a very serious job and now ensure I fill every spare minute outside of it with silliness with my family.
I am raising my daughter to understand that yes, there is a time and place for silliness, but you can absolutely be yourself with your family and they are your strength and sanity!
Never doubt your abilities, your thoughts and opinions are important, speak up and be heard.