Angela Hall

I joined the CSP in 2002 when I joined the Paediatric Physiotherapy Service. My line manager suggested that I should look into CSP membership. I contacted the society and was given the relevant information. My colleagues and I decided to join as the benefits were good as well as the cost was reasonable.

 

What career aspirations did you have for when you left school?  Did you know what you wanted to do?

I wanted to train as a nursery nurse which I did, completing my NNEB (National Nursery Examination Board) Training. After that I wanted to work in either a nursery or in the creche/child-care facility on a cruise ship - neither of which happened.

Has your career path been different to the way you expected it to go? What made it different?

I began my career doing supply work in a nursery for a child with special needs. I then went on to work in an all-ages special school for children with severe learning difficulties (SLD) and profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) for ages 2-19.

I worked in this school for 13 years before joining the NHS and the Paediatric Physiotherapy Service where I have been since 2002. I would probably not have joined this service had I not been working in the special school.

What have been your most enjoyable experiences in your career?  

Working with children and young people and being part of a well-established team that work well together. All success stories with patients, like a child achieving a developmental milestone, walking for the first time with or without support. Knowing that what I do in my role makes an impact or a difference to the lives of children and young people

I love working with children and young people with a variety of conditions, which makes the job interesting. I am constantly learning new skills and aquiring more knowledge. Also being able to continue to study and complete accredited courses including a foundation degree in healthcare practice.

How has the CSP helped you in your career?

The CSP is a great source of support with a dedicated Associate Officer always there to point you in the right direction if the query is something she cannot deal with. I was lucky enough to be given some funding from the CSP Charitable trust to help me with books and stationery to support my foundation degree studies.

In the earlier years we had an Assistant Conference which was always fantastic and gave the opportunity to network with other associate members and to share knowledge. We now have the opportunity to be part of Physiotherapy UK which I have attended in the past and is always worth a visit.

What does the 21st anniversary of CSP associate membership mean to you?

The anniversary shows that we as Associate members are well worth investing in and that we are here to stay. Bring on the next 21 years.

If you could give one message to your peers from what you have learnt in your career, what would it be?

No matter what you think, always believe in yourself. Give it a go - you can do it. To use a quote from a patient of mine: 'Believe and achieve'.

I joined the CSP 15 years, to be part of a union to have the safety behind me should I ever need any support.