We are The Christie magazine - Edition 6

Debra Jones, occupational therapist Debra Jones has been an occupational therapist (OT) for over 30 years. She currently works with teenage and young adult patients going through cancer treatment at The Christie.

Barbara Parker, medical secretary Barbara Parker, known to colleagues and patients as Babs, has worked at The Christie for 30 years and is a PA and medical secretary within the medical oncology lung team.

“Not very many people know what an occupational therapist does,” Debra says. “The way I describe it is that we find out what is important to someone – whether that be having a shower, getting back to university or being able to stand independently – and, with the support of others in the team, rehab, self management strategies, and sometimes specialist equipment – help them to do it.”

“Every day is extremely busy. When I arrive in the office, I hit the ground running. My phone starts to ring soon after 8am. Priorities change all the time, so you’re always adapting and dealing with what can be complex and time consuming tasks.” Barbara says. Barbara manages clinic changes and consultants’ appointments, responds to calls and emails from patients and family members, types up patient notes and handles a wide range of requests. A big part of her role involves liaising across services to make sure things happen when they need to. “I’m always multitasking,” she explains. “Ultimately, it’s about making sure that the patient’s needs are met.” For many patients and families, Barbara is one of the first members who feel confident about contacting me because they know they can depend on me.” she says. Over the years, Barbara has seen the impact of her role. “I’ve received many heartfelt thank you cards and emails from patients and their family members. I feel this shows that I do make a difference.” She describes how administrative professionals serve as the link between consultants, nurses, patients, and their families. “If we didn’t do our jobs professionally and effectively, the system simply wouldn’t work. We’re an essential part of the team, supporting and reassuring patients between their visits.” Her connection to The Christie is also personal, having been a patient here herself. “I have insight from both sides,” she says. “Now, being able to support patients through their own cancer journey means a lot to me.” their visits.” Barbara Parker “We’re an essential part of the team, supporting and reassuring patients between points of contact. Speaking to people when they are worried, overwhelmed or dealing with difficult news. “Being the first point of contact is a privilege, I’ve built strong relationships with patients and family

Debra, who was an international gymnast when she was younger, was always keen on a career in healthcare but decided to become an OT after seeing the difference that her school friend’s mum made to people’s lives. She’s worked in a lot of different settings, including end-of-life care, and set up the rheumatology at Salford Royal. She joined The Christie team in spring 2024. “I’d gotten to the point where I was looking for something new from my career,” Debra says. “My son was a

“It was a bit of a role reversal to come to the hospital as a patient rather than to start my new job, but I got first-hand experience of just

how brilliant everyone is.” Debra Jones

teenager at the time, and I’d had experience of working with cancer patients, so I decided to give it a go, and I haven’t looked back since.” Debra had to delay starting her new job for a year while she went through treatment for breast cancer. “It was a bit of a role reversal to come to the hospital as a patient rather than to start my new job, but I got first-hand experience of just how brilliant everyone is,” she says. “Going through treatment also gave me a bit of insight into what our young people go through. I really love this job. We take a holistic approach to care and patients might work with physios, complementary therapists, clinical psychologists, youth support co-ordinators, speech and language therapists and dietitians during their treatment, alongside doctors and nurses. Working closely with my colleagues to improve young people’s health and wellbeing truly is a privilege,” Debra adds.

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