A young woman from Teesside is set to achieve her dream of becoming a doctor – after starting her journey as a hospital volunteer.
At the age of 16, Molly Caygill got her first opportunity in healthcare by volunteering at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust.
Molly, who is now 23 and from Great Ayton, first got an idea about working in the health service by volunteering at the University Hospital of North Tees.
Working in areas like cardiology, endoscopy and pathology, she was able to pick up vital experience of interacting with staff and patients.
It was then a chance meeting with Nicola Grieves, who manages the Trust’s urgent care service, which led to an opportunity to start working at the organisation as a healthcare assistant, including in the urgent care department.
Molly, who has a degree in medical microbiology at Leicester, continued: “In my role as a volunteer, I went along to the Trust’s awards night and met Nic there.
“We got talking, she gave me so much help and advice and asked if I would like to come and work in urgent and emergency care.”
Over the last few months Molly has gained significant experience working with staff and caring for patients – something she says was vital in helping her successfully apply to go to medical school.
Molly, who has been accepted for a place at Warwick University, said: “Without the opportunities to volunteer and without the help of Nic and everyone in the team, I wouldn’t be in this position.
“All of the staff here have taught me so much. Because of them, I feel so much more prepared for what is to come.
“I want to thank Nic and everyone I have worked with at North Tees and Hartlepool – I want to come back here one day as a doctor in emergency care.”
Speaking to Molly, Nicola, senior clinical lead nurse, said: “Molly has become really strong independent woman, we are all so proud of her.
“You really are a different woman to the one who first started here, you understand so much about the care patients need.
“You have learned from professionals like the nurse practitioners here and have always wanted to listen and to develop.
“We are all excited to see where your career takes you – you are always welcome in our urgent and emergency care department!”