NHS 75 Staff Stories: Liz Cathcart

Liz Cathcart - Head of Staff Engagement and Wellbeing

How long have you been in the NHS?

42 years on 1 August 2023.

Why did you choose to work in the NHS?

I was just 16 years old, had just left school, and found a clerical job at Coleshill Hall Hospital, which was a beautiful location for my first job. I worked for the Psychology team, typing up patient notes, etc., on an old typewriter (before the days of technology), where we used Tipex (a lot) and carbon paper.

Describe your role in 100 words.

I work as Head of Staff Engagement and Wellbeing, which includes managing the Staff Survey and People Pulse Survey, COPE service, EAP, and VIVUP Salary Sacrifice. We also manage and monitor our Occupational Health Contract. Staff Engagement hold Wellbeing Days for staff and listening clinics as required. We are responsible for supporting improvement in staff engagement and motivation amongst colleagues.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I really enjoy the variety of my role, and I get to meet so many of my colleagues across the Trust. It’s been a privilege to share in staff stories at our Quality Awards events and to hear some great stories that come through via our Values in Action nominations.

Describe your favourite memory of working at CWPT in 100 words.

I guess it has to be Panto. We have put on several Panto’s (pre-Covid), and they were truly wonderful as staff from across the organisation took part in their own time. Also, I am so proud of our COPE and With Staff In Mind services, who have supported colleagues’ wellbeing really well.

Read more staff stories for NHS 75 and find our more about the Celebrations.