Amanda, Edinburgh’s Community HCA of the Year.

Congratulations Amanda, Edinburgh’s Community HCA of the Year. We caught up with Amanda on her win.

How long have you been working with the Guild?

I have worked for the Guild for four years alongside the NHS for the first two and full time for the last two years.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy the variety of work. I am a dual HCA, so I can pick up a good array of shifts. I also love how approachable and supportive the call centre staff are. My main communications are with the community team, and they are fabulous to work alongside, and the main call centre staff are equally as supportive.

What attracted you to join the Guild?

I liked the idea of working in different places and in different NHS trusts. I have worked with NHS Forth Valley for 14 years, so it was an attractive prospect to branch out and improve my learning from other Trusts. I didn’t realise at the time what opportunities the Guild had. I have worked in different environments, from private clients, nursing homes to more challenging packages.

How do you feel about being our HCA of the Year?

I was absolutely over the moon and just burst into tears. This year has presented me with many personal challenges, and I have always tried my hardest to continue working and maintaining the Guild standards. For this to be recognised is an amazing feeling!

What do you love about being a HCA?

I love the feeling of satisfaction you get when you know you have genuinely made someone’s day a little bit brighter. I also love hearing peoples stories. You meet some fascinating people in this line of work.