A book dedicated to the extraordinary work of 60 'ordinary' people working in the NHS has been launched as part of the service’s 60th anniversary celebrations.
Representing the radiography profession is Steve Griffiths from Basildon, Essex who was chosen from hundreds of entries.
Steve, who is the only radiographer to appear in the book, is currently general manager for plastic surgery at Broomfield NHS Trust in Chelmsford , Essex. Although he left clinical practice to pursue a management career he remains a registered radiographer.
“I’m not sure who put me forward to appear in the book and I must admit that I didn’t feel worthy. However, I am immensely proud of my radiography training and believe radiographers should be recognised” he commented.
Steve’s previous role was head of imaging at Medway Maritime Hospital. During his time as imaging manager the x-ray department slashed waiting times and introduced flexible working – long before the government targets were set.
As Steve explains in the book: “I’ve always been a bit of a maverick. I think if you believe in something strongly enough you should do it. You must take some gambles. So, if someone comes up with an idea to improve patient care then I don’t ask them to write a paper and pass it round the hospital for discussion. I say ‘let’s do it’.”
As a radiographer, Steve says he was always saying managers were interfering and stopping the clinical staff focusing on patient care. He decided that the only way to change things was to become a manager and studied towards a Masters in Business Administration, working his way through the ranks. "Now I’m one of them!" he said. "I see my role as managing the money and equipment, and looking after the people, so the team can then look after patients properly and not have to compromise.
“I’m most proud when I see my team happy and when I see how things have really changed. The NHS is thriving and achieving and that makes me very proud.”
Copies of 60 ‘extraordinary’ people are now available at half price for £9.95.
Read more about how the 60th anniversary has been celebrated.
