1. What’s your background?

I graduated from University of Ulster (Jordanstown) in 2009 and have been working as a Radiographer since between Glasgow, Dublin and now Donegal. Most of my working life to date was spent in Beaumont Hospital, where I was given the opportunity to pursue my interest in MRI; completing my MSC in Medical Imaging (MRI) in 2016 and, prior to this, Health Care Management in 2012. This has given me the skills and knowledge required to carry out my current role as Clinical Lead in Affidea Letterkenny.

2. Why did you join the #AffideaFamily?

I initially began working with Affidea as locum covering some late evening and weekend shifts. I wanted to broaden my knowledge base as Beaumont is very Neuro focused (as the Neuro centre of excellence in the country) and, at the time, my experience with MSK scanning was limited. I made the jump to full-time employment with Affidea when I heard rumblings that a centre was being opened in my local area. This was the chance I had been waiting on to move back to Donegal!

Minister Harris Officially Opens New Affidea Medical Scanning Centre in Letterkenny

3. What differentiates us in your opinion?

Since I first became involved with Affidea, which was formerly known as Euromedic, there have been huge changes and expansion throughout the country. There is a constant desire within the company to develop and improve, with a view to providing the best services for patients in Ireland and further afield.

Affidea is the market leader in medical imaging and reporting. Our clinics are fitted with the highest specification equipment available and provide state-of-the-art facilities. Affidea is also investing in the health of our local community and we are able to provide competitive rates for scans, with turnaround times as soon as 48 hours in many instances, with critical cases assessed urgently when required. Our Affidea motto states that, Nothing Is More Important Than Health, and the services that we provide allow everyone to be able to look after their health effortlessly and quickly. On a daily basis, my colleagues and I here in Letterkenny strive to go above and beyond to accommodate our patients, which makes working as part of this team a pleasure.

4. What does your average day look like?

My day begins at 8.30am, scanning patients in our wide bore MRI scanner alongside my colleague Leanne. We can scan up to 21 patients on any given day, which provides a lot of scope and flexibility for patients to find a time that suits their busy schedules.

When a patient arrives at the Centre, they are greeted by our Administration Team at reception, where they complete registration and answer Affidea’s important safety checklist before progressing to MRI. When I meet my patients, I introduce myself and then proceed to discuss the checklist with them again as it is paramount that we insure the safety of every patient entering the MRI suite. We take the time to provide a detailed explanation of the entire procedure, which helps to put our patients at ease.

From my years of working in MRI and since I have moved back home to work, I have personally witnessed how access to this service has had a huge impact on families, with early diagnosis giving patients the best chance of a healthy future. I am proud every day to be able to give back to my local community where I grew up.

When I am not busy scanning patients, I keep on top of protocolling the referrals that are sent to us from a range of medical professionals such as GPs, hospital based doctors and physiotherapists. It is necessary to protocol each referral to ensure that the patient receives the most appropriate scan or x-ray for the clinical indications presented to us. We work closely with our referrers, so that together we can ensure the patient gets the most beneficial scan required.

5. How do you like to create a healthy work/life balance?

To have a healthy approach to work, I find exercise helps me to unwind and, since moving back to Donegal, I have become a member of my local GAA club, C.L.G. Baile na nGalloglach (Milford GAA). I play for the Senior Ladies team, and also try also to get a couple of gym sessions in per week.

Affidea Letterkenny celebrates its first year benefitting hundreds of patients in Donegal

Affidea & Donegal GAA celebrate one year anniversary as Diagnostics Partners