Shauna Neylon, who joined our Trust as part of a student summer volunteering programme last year, has wished the NHS a happy birthday as it turns 73 (on Monday 5 July).

The 18-year-old found her calling to be a nurse while volunteering at our Trust during the pandemic; and is on track to start her nurse training at King’s College this September.

She said: “I really enjoyed it and it really made me 100 per cent certain that I wanted to become a nurse.

“I’m now working at our Trust as a ward orderly, I help with personal care and at mealtimes on the care of the elderly wards. I also really enjoy sitting with and speaking to patients. I work alongside the nurses so it’s really great experience for me.”

Shauna, of Elm Park, had wanted to be a social worker before her aunt was diagnosed with cancer. Seeing the way nurses looked after her made Shauna start to consider a different career.

She added: “It made me want to give something back.

“I’d advise anyone thinking of a career in the NHS to find out more and think about volunteering to get experience as it can really help you make up your mind.”

Find out more about volunteering at our Trust. You can also find out about the range of NHS careers on the NHS website.

Read more about how we’ve marked our birthday.