Publish date: 5 March 2024
For National Careers Week, we are featuring a number of profiles to show the variety of roles and careers here at our Trust.
Today we meet Jessica Lonsdale
Tell us a little about yourself
I work in Blue Skies hospitals fund, your local NHS charity as Retail and Office Manager. Officially I have worked in this department for 5 years however I been at the Trust for 9 years. As part of my working day I look after all donations, letters from our donors, invoicing and I also look after all our retail offering and manage 38 volunteers.
Career Journey
I started in October 2015 as a BTH volunteer. I was going through Cancer treatment at the tune and I wanted something to do to fill my spare time and give back to the Trust who were treating me for Cancer. I was meant to volunteer within the Haematology Unit however the receptionist for Blue Skies was going for surgery and they needed someone to fill in and that someone was me! I volunteered in Blue Skies for 1 year and during this time I helped the Voluntary Services department looking after the Trolley Service. I then went onto agency and working within Voluntary Services and during this time I had 2 gorgeous children. In 2018, I then went back.
Benefits to working at the Trust
There are many benefits of working at the Trust such as you pay into an NHS pension, flexible working and so many career opportunities. I love working at Blue Skies, it’s such a heart warming feeling seeing the difference we make to our patients.
Would you recommend Blackpool Teaching Hospitals as a place to work?
Yes 100%! I love working with my colleagues and getting to know our volunteers who give up their free time to support us. It’s also great that the Trust support any training you might need and further development. I have a few family and friends that now work for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals through my recommendation!
What advice would you give someone thinking of a career in the NHS?
I would very much encourage anyone to think about getting a career within the NHS as there is great opportunities to develop within this organisation. With it being one of the largest employers in Blackpool it’s a great place to work.
Future Plans
I have big plans for Blue Skies in 2024, I am growing my own department and our staff. We hoping to get out more in the community and opening our second internal confectionery shop within the Trust, we are also hoping to increase our volunteer workforce.
If you're interested in working for our Trust and want to know more, please visit our vacancy pages or NHS Careers NW
