News

We welcomed five new starters at Derian House on Monday, but before we get to know them later in the week, we’ve been waiting on our two new Derian at Home ladies to start on team before their glamourous photoshoot, hence the lateness of this article… a lot of you have probably already got to know our fab four, but here’s a bit more about them for those further afield.

Olivia Monks – Clinical Administrator

Our new Clinical Administrator, Olivia, has spent a lot of her working life so far in the travel industry. After finishing college, she worked at Ribby Hall Holidays for two years, before getting work on Australian and New Zealand cruise ships where she had a front of house role.

Unfortunately, her time at sea was cut short due to a word beginning with C and rhyming with Novid (fun fact – Olivia had to isolate on her own for FIVE WEEKS at sea at the beginning of Lockdown #1), and returned to the UK where she had numerous ‘bit’ jobs before joining us here at Derian.

After discovering that she had some health problems of her own, Olivia really wanted a job somewhere where she could help others and making a difference. Alongside her new job, she’s also taken on an evening Counselling course to help with her communications with families.

Outside of work, Olivia enjoys working out, eating healthily, shopping, travelling and experiencing new cultures. She also exclaimed ‘I love a good night out!’. We’re sure she’ll fit right in here!

 

Nichola Roughley – Clinical Support Worker

Nichola has joined us from Mayfield School in Chorley, where she worked for a whopping 36 years. After her grandson Billy passed away at Derian last March, it inspired Nichola to make a positive change and work with children and young people who have life-limiting conditions.

Whilst in her previous role, Nichola spent the evenings volunteering at Linkability, a charity which helps adults who have learning difficulties, so her varied experience will certainly help in her new job at Derian House.

In her spare time, Nichola enjoys walking her two dogs Barney and George and being Grandma to her three grandchildren.

Fun fact – Nic was once in an adult cheerleading team that won the British Championships!

 

Danni Fielding – Derian at Home Clinical Support Worker

The first of our two new community support workers is Danni, who has joined us after working at Burnley NICU for the past five years. Danni has a nursery nurse background, and has always had an interest in working with children and young people who are palliative as she wants to help make happy memories for them in their short lives.

Danni is most looking forward to meeting the team, getting out and about, and working with our families and their children.

When she’s not at work, Danni enjoys family days out with her husband, their three children and two dogs.

 

Emily Heaton – Derian at Home Clinical Support Worker

Emily worked at Pendle View Primary School in her hometown of Colne for four years before making the move to Derian. It’s been 11 years since she left college, and Emily wanted a role where she could really make a difference and be involved in making special memories for children who have life-limiting conditions.

Her own son actually has medical needs, which pushed our new Derian at Home team member to wanting the job at Derian House even more. She’s really looking forward to meeting the families we care for and helping them on their individual journeys.

Outside of work, Emily absolutely loves random days out with her family. She’s a big adrenaline-junkie, so their days are always packed with a thrill!

Fun fact – Emily owns a whopping 60 pairs of trainers, to which she says the secret is buying them in kids sizes… they’re much cheaper!