A physiotherapy assistant who works at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV), is celebrating an inspiring career journey after being shortlisted as a finalist at the Health Heroes Awards, taking place next month.
After having her own family, and spending around 20 years working in administrative roles Kathryn Robinson from Auckland Park Hospital, took a bold step in 2020 to begin a new career within physiotherapy. With limited prior clinical experience, the change marked a significant challenge, but one she embraced with enthusiasm and determination.
Kathryn said, “I knew very little about physiotherapy at the time, but I was ready for a change and excited by the challenge.”
As part of her role, she completed the required competencies and helps to run a 12-week exercise programme, working with other colleagues who support older adults with mental health conditions that has been described as life changing.
Four years into her physiotherapy assistant post, she was encouraged to undertake the Level 3 Senior Support Worker Apprenticeship.
“The prospect of returning to education felt daunting. My last qualification had been completed in 2015, and I questioned whether the apprenticeship would add value so far into my role. At first, I felt completely overwhelmed by the amount of work, I was nervous about the masterclasses and professional discussions and honestly tried to avoid them.”
However, over the 18-month apprenticeship, Kathryn’s confidence grew significantly. By the end of the programme, she found herself actively requesting professional discussions instead of written assignments — a clear reflection of how far she had come.
“My confidence has grown massively,” she explained. “I believe in myself so much more now. I don’t have the same self-doubt, and I’m far more confident contributing in Multi-Disciplinary Team Meetings (MDT) and within my role overall.”
That growth has now been formally recognised, with her being shortlisted as a finalist at the Health Heroes Awards, which celebrate outstanding contributions and dedication across health and care services. The awards ceremony will take place on June 17 in London.
“I am feeling quite proud that I have been nominated for an award for all my hard work, when my assessor asked if she could nominate me, I didn’t think that anything would come of it.”
We all wish Kathryn the very best of luck at the Health Hero awards next month and can’t wait to hear how she gets on.
We hope Kathryn’s story will inspire others – particularly those considering a career change or returning to learning later in life.
