Andrew Walton's story for NHS75

As the NHS reaches a momentous milestone of 75 years, this is an occasion to celebrate the dedicated staff and volunteers who have shaped the NHS into what it is today. In the lead up to the NHS’s birthday on 5 July, LYPFT staff are telling their stories of inspiration and dedication that led them to join the NHS and what motivates them to continue their important work.

Andrew Walton is a health support worker in the crisis assessment unit at the Becklin Centre. 

I have always wanted to work for the NHS. I was first inspired to do so when I witnessed how different sectors of the NHS worked together for a member of my family and the help, support and encouragement they gave them.

My passion is care. Great care is what I aim to deliver every day, making people’s lives easier and more fulfilled.

What inspires me to come to work is the continued support from all the staff who work on my team. The care and kindness they show me makes me feel so proud to work here.

Training and skills for life

I have worked in care for over 9 years working with adults with complex learning difficulties, children who have been involved in social emotional mental health difficulties and adult acute mental health.

A particular highlight for over the years was when I was offered a place on the phlebotomy course. I went along feeling a mixture of fear and excitement, thinking to myself “oh my goodness, I’m actually going to be learning to take blood from real people!” I must say it’s harder to take blood from a dummy arm than it is taking it from an actual service user.

“It’s a positive working environment, providing you with skills and training for life.” 

Getting to know my patients and caring for them inspires me every day. I get opportunities to learn, build my knowledge, live the NHS values and deliver quality care to our service users.

Looking to the future, I’m proud to have successfully applied for a Trainee Nursing Associate role. This is something I have always dreamed of doing and it propels me on the path to become a mental health nurse. If I can get there it would mean the world to me.

For anyone thinking about a career in the NHS, I’d say just go for it! Job applications can be daunting but stick with it – you’ll have a job for life if you want it. I’m proud to say I work for the NHS and I’m proud to say it’s like a second family. It’s such a positive working environment that provides you with training and skills for life.

Are you a Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust colleague?
Everyone has a story to tell. Share yours, inspire others, and let the world know what the NHS means to you. To get involved, contact communications.lypft@nhs.net or call 0113 855 5989.