Blog

Meet the team in Berwick - Jenny Blackhall

How long have you worked at/done a clinic at Berwick Infirmary?

I have worked at Berwick Infirmary for 38 years, but my journey started as a patient on Dewar Ward, now Ward 1.

Brief career history?

I had a 6 month ‘holiday’ at Berwick Infirmary after being in Newcastle General for a month following a road traffic accident. During my inpatient stay the occupational therapy staff got me involved in activities, whether I wanted to be or not! I had ongoing outpatient physio on discharge and then I started doing voluntary work at the Infirmary, before getting a job as an Occupational Therapy helper in 1986. I completed a helper’s course at the Dene Centre & became a technical instructor in 1990.

Why do you love working in Berwick?

I have never really worked anywhere else apart from Saturday jobs when I was at school, so Berwick Infirmary has literally been my life since I was 17. I love working at Berwick, mainly because of the people, those that looked after me, those that I’ve worked alongside and of course the many patients and families I have been involved with over the years.

Can you share a couple of fond memories of working in the infirmary over the years?

From over the years, I have collected many fond memories, both from personal experience and as a staff member.

Some of my favourite memories have simply been seeing patients with complex needs being discharged, with adjustments, equipment and support to be in their own home.

When I first started work, we used to organise weekends away for people in the community who had been referred to the service. It was hard work but fun and so rewarding, seeing them being able to enjoy a holiday whilst getting the care they needed.

Our Day Hospital enabled so many patients to be able to manage in the community with support from all disciplines. I loved seeing people who had been unsure if they would manage on discharge, coming in and their confidence increasing. They all enjoyed the Christmas parties and taking part in various activities throughout the year.

One last memory is not of my work but a personal one of my Ward 1 and Berwick Infirmary ‘family’. My husband came into Ward 1 for end-of-life care during covid. He had been well supported in the community by MacMillan team and district nurses and when he was admitted to hospital, the care and support given to us all at such a difficult time for them was, as always, above and beyond.

How do you feel seeing the new hospital being built?

It’s exciting seeing the new hospital being built as it has been talked about for so long although it is strange seeing the old buildings go bit by bit.

How will the new hospital improve your role?

I feel once we are in our new home and teams are in the same building, it will be much easier for all staff. Being together will improve communication to support us to better plan things like discharges. The purpose-built environment will also be great for patient experience.

Where were you born, where do you live and what do you do to relax?

I was born in Berwick and have lived here all my life, so the Infirmary has been there for all of my family over the years.

Spending time with family and friends when I can and keeping in touch with my sons is something that is very important to me. One of my favourite things is going out on Border Belle with Berwick Boat Trips and I go as often as I can when the weather allows. I love football and I support both Berwick Rangers and Liverpool so you’ll find me shouting at Shielfield most Saturdays during the season. I finally made it to Anfield a few years ago as one of my sons lives in Liverpool. I love the theatre so I go to the Maltings in Berwick and head to Edinburgh and Newcastle to see shows. My other son goes often too, so I have the best of both worlds. I really enjoy Zumba and I’m trying to do more walking, so I take part in a monthly walk with work which often involves some tasty treats!