Meet the Team - Lynsey Kim
What is your job role and in general what does that entail?
I’m a Engagement and Signposting Lead. I am currently looking at hospital wait times and the effects this has on patients. I am also looking into people’s experiences with pharmacies and the impact the Pharmacy First initiative may have. I also signpost people to services and connect people to organisations that can help them with a complaint, as well as go out into the community to talk to people and raise awareness of Healthwatch County Durham and the services we provide.
What does a usual work day look like to you?
No two days are the same. Sometimes I am out in the community talking to people about their experiences with health and social care, the next day can be in the office recording the information I have captured, talking to people on the phone and signposting them to services as well as helping them to access the support they may need. Other days can be looking at data and writing reports to help improve services.
What is the most exciting/rewarding part of your job?
Helping people and seeing a positive outcome. Getting out into the community and listening to what people have to say about health and social care services in County Durham. As we are such a large and varied county it is interesting to hear all the different views and experiences people across the county have. Working to improve services for all is also very rewarding.
What is your favourite thing about working for Healthwatch County Durham?
The team. We have a great team at Healthwatch County Durham all working on different elements, but all supporting each other and doing their part to create a welcoming and cohesive team. I also really enjoy engaging with the public face to face at events and groups held in the community.
After work/on a weekend, how do you like to relax? What are your hobbies?
Spending time with family is how I like to spend my free time. Whether it’s walking the dogs at Gibside or cooking and baking together. I also love the theatre and try and go as often as I can.
What jobs have you done in the past?
I spent most of my working life in the education sector supporting the development of assessments to help students of all ages achieve their full potential. Since moving over to the health and wellbeing sector I have had a variety of roles from Social Prescribing Link Worker to Wellbeing for Life Facilitator. Supporting people to access services and community activities to support and promote both their physical and mental health and wellbeing.
Finally, what/who inspires you?
What inspires me is that there is more good than bad in the world and that there is always someone willing to help and go the extra mile for people. People’s kindness even through hard times never fails to inspire and comfort me.
Thank you so much to Lynsey for answering our questions and making a difference in her role!
