Helen King: Secretary/Coordinator

Scarborough and North East Yorkshire Healthcare NHS Trust

Helen King: Secretary/Coordinator

I joined the NHS in 2002, having previously worked for a local homeless project for 16-25 year olds.


My first role in the NHS was as a Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS) officer at the local primary care trust. I really enjoyed helping patients navigate their way through the NHS system and built a real rapport with patients and staff alike.

In 2003, I joined Scarborough Hospital as a co-ordinator for the Macmillan and Stoma Care Units. I work closely with the staff, stakeholders and patients and their relatives, often providing support to patients and distressed relatives over the phone and face-to-face.

My experience at the hospital encouraged me to take a course in bereavement support at St Catherine's Hospice. Now, in addition to my work at the hospital, I am a volunteer at the bereavement support service supporting clients referred by local GPs. I am also an active committee member of the Scarborough Hospital League of Friends and am particularly involved in fundraising activities.

This summer, I was the first winner of the trust's ABCD (above and beyond the call of duty) award, which is presented monthly to the outstanding employee of the month.

Working in the NHS has given me lots of opportunities to progress in my career and learn new skills. My work in bereavement support and fundraising allows me to give something back to the organisation I love.