“I’ve been in hospital myself and it has made me more determined than ever to make sure that I give my patients as good an experience as possible.”

Clinical Support Worker Tracey works on the Stroke Rehabilitation Unit at Walsall Manor Hospital and has volunteered to work on Christmas Day this year. She will clock on at 1pm.

“I have worked a fair few Christmases as I’ve been with the NHS for 25 years, starting at Goscote Hospital, but I’ve had cancer and haven’t worked the last couple of years due to health reasons,” she explained.

“Now I’ve been on the other side as a patient  it does make me more determined than ever to give my patients as good an experience as possible. No-one likes being in hospital at any time but Christmas can be really hard for some people. We have to remember that for some people this will be their last Christmas which is why it’s so important to give them good memories.

“One of my colleagues has decorated the unit really nicely and we’ve got a buffet planned for the tea time so the patients can sit around the table; it will be as homely as we can make it.

“We have a real team spirit and will all pull together on the unit- supporting our patients as well as each other. I love my job!”