Lizzie Smith has joined OSJCT at an exciting time for Bourne House at Avonbourne Care Centre.  She’ll be working closely with the new nursing household that will see the first residents move in in December.  As a qualified nurse herself, she is looking forward to being able to use her skills and experience in a brand-new setting.

Before joining the Trust, Lizzie worked for a previous employer in various positions for more than 20 years.  She began her career as a carer and nurses she worked with encouraged her to pursue nursing. With her employer supportive of her training she qualified as a nurse and eventually became Head of Nursing.

Having worked in various health and social care settings, and both nursing and residential homes, Lizzie’s experience will be invaluable to the team at Bourne House.  She is grateful for the balance of nursing and management that her new role will afford her.

Lizzie says, “Working at this level allows me to still engage and to take part in the practical nursing, as well as overseeing and prioritising the standards of care.”

Lizzie is passionate about quality control and audits and admits that she is always striving for improvements.

Talking about why she chose to join the Trust, Lizzie says, “It was the reviews! I like the ethos of the Trust.  We’re corporate, but we’re not out to make millions – all the money goes back into what we do, and that stood out to me.”

“From Day One I’ve been made to feel valued.  I’ve been supported and really welcomed into the team.  I use that as my selling point now when I’m recruiting too.”

Outside work, Lizzie keeps herself busy with spending time in the Great Outdoors.  She likes being outside and foraging, and floristry.