Assistant Review

I enjoyed this insight to a great extend. My job was to assist the medical secretary and help at the main reception at the front desk. I enjoyed it because it was a different environment to what I am used to, which meant not only could I gain experience, but I could build character, too.

I felt very valued during my time at Albion Health Centre. I walked into a family and walked out feeling like a part of it. The rating states “like family” but quite literally, on my first day, the receptionist I was shadowing made that exact comment. I was saddened to have left.

Everyone was extremely supportive during the insight. I did feel slightly scared to ask for help at first despite how willing they were to assist me in my tasks, but that was probably beginner’s anxiety. Whenever I asked for help, from anyone in the health centre, they were always ready.

The reason I chose an insight in such an environment is due to the fact that I needed an environment that was more real than what I had previously experienced. The skills I developed and received may not assist me in my degree studies in particular but they will help me deal with people in day to day life.

It was short notice that I was coming but considering the fact that they had had work experience students before, I was surprised at how little they had for me to do. Towards the end it was more structured as they found a task that would keep me busy for most of the day.

At times it was slightly boring, I was alone a lot doing photocopying or a sort of filing but on the whole, majority of the time it was very lively. This is mainly because everyone got along so well which meant there was always a good conversation flowing in the office.

Other than a few comments here and there about how to better deal with things, the health centre did not invest in me much. However, this was to be expected as a result of underfunding within the National Health Service itself. Given the nature of my work experience, this was not something that let me down.

The insight helped me understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the health centre to a limited extent because my hours were very short compared to the actual employees. However, from word of mouth, I understood the nature of the job and the hardships that tend to come with it.

I was able to interact with the administrative staff, doctors and patients, thus allowing me to affirm that I was able to understand the health centre culture quite well. In fact, I feel like this insight has helped me in understand the culture of the National Health Service as a whole.

The content of the day was somewhat valuable in helping me to decide my future career path. The jobs I did are not ones that I would mind doing again however I feel like the centre is lacking in adequate funding, thus I do not feel like I would want to work in a place like that.

I did not expect any payment or reimbursement. My hours were such that I was not travelling at peak times, so it cost less than I had thought it would. In addition to that, as a result of the prime location, food was cheap, so no expenses were required for that.

There were few opportunities to meet the doctors, however I understand that they were busy. As well as working along the medical secretary and the administrative staff, I was also introduced to a person who assisted the patients in non-health related issues. Furthermore, I was given the opportunity to interact with the patients.

There were no formal networking slash social events, hence the low rating. However, the informal ones (break slash lunch) were very comfortable and welcoming. Mainly, my future plans as a student were discussed, as well as family life and holidays and such. No situation was too uncomfortable, however, one on one forced interaction is not something I am too fond of.

Not provided by the National Health Service, but employees can take annual leave and go on holidays. This is the main activity I heard about whilst at the insight: the holidays that the employees take, to which country and would they recommend it to others. Considering the funding, I doubt the NHS pays for any activities outside of work.

Yes, I would and have recommended this insight to a friend. It builds good organisations and administration skills that can be applied in everyday life. As well as this, it also allows you to develop your people skills as you are interacting with vulnerable people (the sick, or the elderly, etc) from different walks of life. However, I acknowledge that it may not be for everyone.