“He held my hand and said, “You’re very poorly, but we’re going to look after you.” That simple human presence meant everything.
“Living through chronic illness and nearly losing my life to sepsis made me understand how vital compassionate, person-centred care is and that’s what inspired me to become a nurse.”
After leaving hospital Kelly started working as healthcare assistant at Kent and Canterbury Hospital before joining us in 2017 as a Clinical Support Worker (CSW). She enrolled on a Level 5 Nursing Associate (NA) apprenticeship in 2020, qualifying two years later. In 2023 she was offered the chance to enrol on the Level 6 top up Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship (RNDA) graduating in August last year and making her one of the hospital’s first homegrown nurses.
“Without the apprenticeship pathway, I don’t think I’d be where I am today,” Kelly said.
“It allowed me to earn while learning, build hands-on skills and gain invaluable support from my team, while balancing study, work and family life. I wanted to give back what was given to me.”
Today, Kelly works in our Sheppey Frailty Unit, based at Sheppey Community Hospital. There she brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to the patients she cares for.
“My experience as a patient has profoundly shaped how I practise,” she said.
“Healing goes far beyond treating infection or managing symptoms, it’s emotional and social too. The most important thing we can do is listen and make every patient feel seen, heard and included in their care.
“And to anyone currently in the middle of their own health struggle: there is light at the end of the tunnel. You are your own best advocate, and your voice matters.”
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