Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic
Suzanne Downing

Suzanne Downing

Wisbech St Mary,Cambridgeshire

Summary

I am a dedicated and adaptable professional with over 17 years of experience in the culinary and healthcare sectors. Initially trained and working as a chef at the College of West Anglia for nearly two decades, I developed strong organizational, time management, and teamwork skills. After being made redundant, I followed my passion for care and transitioned to a healthcare role, where I worked at Queen Elizabeth Hospital as a Health Care Assistant. In this role, I provided vital support to patients before and after surgery, ensuring their comfort and well-being.

I then moved on to North Cambridgeshire Hospital in Wisbech, working on Trafford Ward, specialising in rehabilitation and end-of-life care. This experience deepened my knowledge of patient care, including physical, emotional, and psychological support. Through my varied experiences, I have developed a deep passion for improving the quality of life for those in need, bringing empathy, attention to detail, and a strong sense of responsibility to my work.

I am committed to utilizing my diverse skill set to make a positive impact in the lives of others, with a continuous focus on enhancing patient care. I have completed the Care Certificate, demonstrating my commitment to the highest standards of healthcare and patient support.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Health Care Assistant

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
09.2024 - Current
  • Thoroughly sterilised and sanitised clinical equipment and accessories.
  • Delivered high-quality care to patients, achieving care plan objectives.
  • Managed personal hygiene of bed-bound patients, maintained dignity and respect at all times.
  • Assisted in physical therapy sessions with patients to promote mobility improvement.

Health care assistant

Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Kings Lynn, Norfolk
10.2023 - 09.2024
  • Worked professionally with caregiving teams and hospital departments to maintain continuity of care.
  • Provided basic patient health care, taking blood pressure and dressing wounds.
  • Met with patients and families to discuss care plan adaptations, seeking continual improvement.
  • Assisted in all aspects of personal care, retaining comfort and dignity.

Chef

College of West Anglia
Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
02.2008 - 06.2022
  • Orchestrated seamless kitchen service during peak hours.
  • Followed health and safety guidelines to keep food storage safe, prevent spoilage and minimise cross-contamination risks.
  • Transformed under-utilised ingredients into special menu items.
  • Optimised workflow processes reduced time spent on administrative tasks.
  • Supervised all kitchen staff to maintain high quality standards.

Education

GCSEs - Maths, English and Science

Queens Girls High School
Wisbech
09.1976 - 06.1982

NVQ Level 3 - Care Certificate

Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Norfolk
11.2023 - 09.2024

Skills

  • Food hygiene understanding
  • Pain management
  • Infection control procedures
  • Proactive approach
  • Assisting with Personal Care
  • Feeding and Hydration Support
  • Monitoring and recording vital signs
  • Observing and reporting changes in a patients condition
  • Helping Patients with mobility and repositioning
  • Time Management and prioritising tasks
  • Working under pressure in a fast paced environment
  • Adapting to individual patients needs
  • Clinical record-keeping

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Health Care Assistant

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
09.2024 - Current

NVQ Level 3 - Care Certificate

Queen Elizabeth Hospital
11.2023 - 09.2024

Health care assistant

Queen Elizabeth Hospital
10.2023 - 09.2024

Chef

College of West Anglia
02.2008 - 06.2022

GCSEs - Maths, English and Science

Queens Girls High School
09.1976 - 06.1982
Suzanne Downing