Sarah Bacon

Sarah worked in a bar before watching Casualty on television and deciding that she wanted to work in a hospital.  The only job available was a band 2 radiographic assistant in a hospital in Lancashire.

After applying for the job, Sarah was initially declined. What followed was a phone call to ask her if she would accept a job that had been created just for her. Sarah jumped at the opportunity and it was during this first week that she finally realised what she wanted to do. And that was to become a radiographer.

‘I love learning and I don't think that will ever stop. That is what makes me such an ambitious person with a real passion for radiography.  I am competitive too which helps me. Outside of work I am a keen netball player and I am captain of the team.’

A year later, Sarah took a gamble and moved to Birmingham in the hope of getting a job at the Trust to become an assistant practitioner. In October 2003, Sarah started her new job here as a band 3 radiographic assistant, based at Good Hope.  A few months after that, Sarah took an opportunity with the University to enrol on a trainee assistant practitioner course.

After a year of study and practice, Sarah completed the course and continued on to become a radiographer.  In 2005 Sarah started a six-month bridging course to become and band 4 and, in 2008, reached her goal as a band 5 radiographer, progressing to a band 6 in 2011.

In June 2013, Sarah moved to Heartlands as a trainee advanced practitioner.  She began her Pg cert in appendicular plain film reporting, passing it in January 2015 which meant that she was able to report independently (band 7). Sarah got seconded to the 8a clinical site lead and advanced practitioner until stepping down in December 2015 to continue working in plain film, which is where her passion lies.

‘I hope my story proves no matter what your background you can achieve whatever you believe you can achieve. With the help of the Trust I have progressed in my career and feel this is not yet the end. If you have drive and determination to progress then there are means of achieving your ambitions. Don't let others stand in your way - stand out by going above and beyond what is expected of you.’

Marie Curie is an amazing inspiration for Sarah. During World War 1, she developed mobile x-ray units so they could be taken to the field hospitals. ‘Mobile imaging is something we just could not do without.  It enables us to image the sickest people without taking them off the wards.’

Equality to Sarah means that everyone is treated fairly and given the same opportunities. Her next ambition is to become a Consultant Radiographer.

‘I received so much support from the Trust. I was allowed time to go to University and I had support from the radiology practice and education team. Throughout my training I have always been given a mentor and have always felt encouraged by my managers to achieve my goals.’