Welcome back to Brains, Banter and Brilliance – your monthly dose of laughter, insight and inspiration from the amazing team here at BHL.

This month, we’re shining the spotlight on our resident hummingbird, Zoe Biginton, who specialises in cases surrounding children and young people. Over to you, Zoe!

How and when did you first join the industry?

I qualified as a paediatric nurse at Great Ormond Street Hospital in 2003 and came into case management in 2019. A former colleague saw my potential to be a case manager having made the transition to the profession herself from being a social worker. The rest is history!

I’ve worked in all different settings, children’s hospitals, a district general hospital, a specialist school and a children’s hospice. I bring my diverse professional experience to the case management role.

What has your past experience looked like?

Before I was a nurse I worked as a support worker at a school for children with cerebral palsy. My interest in supporting children with complex health needs and neuro disabilities started in my late teens. I loved my time at the school and have so many great memories of the students and my former colleagues.

I think I have my nanny Dolly to thank for my career in nursing. She worked for Social Services as a “home help” in the 80’s. During the school holidays she would take me on her client visits, and I would sit and talk with them whilst my nanny cleaned their houses. I was only of primary school age, but I recall being mesmerized by the individuality of nanny’s clients. Of course, this situation would never happen today, but it was certainly character building for me!

My nanny is still here today. At the age of 93 she still knows what good care looks like and will advise her care home staff accordingly! I am very proud of her.

I have always enjoyed the company of children and was a willing babysitter for family and friends as soon as I was old enough. There was no question that paediatrics was the right path for my nursing career. Children can be wise and truthful, and I have always found this refreshing.

What’s the best thing about working here?

I love the company culture. I have so many great colleagues, who even when times are tough, encourage and support each other. There is so much experience within the team, there’s always someone you can go to if you have a question or need advice. Ben’s passion for maximalist interior design is also something I appreciate. You will not find a better decorated office than BHL HQ!  We love our bold wallpaper and houseplants!

Let’s pretend I am your client, what approach might I expect from you?

I come to case management with my own expertise, but equally I believe that parents and children and young people can be experts by experience. I like to work in partnership with clients and families and really get to know them.

I learnt about the philosophy of family centred care in my nurse training, and this stays with me today. I not only get to know my client and their parents but their siblings and family pets too! It’s no secret that I am a huge dog lover. I am a proud dog mummy myself to my little Shih Tzu Queenie who I hope will eventually undergo her therapy pet training. I would love her to be my assistant case manager one day!

I like to feel my visits are relaxed and make people feel comfortable. I try to have some fun with my clients and their families along the way. Some of these working relationships will be long term. I am still working with some clients and families who are met on during my first few weeks as a case manager.

What was your dream job growing up?

I always wanted to be a singer growing up. I had a singing tutor, Jean Marshall, who had taught a few 80s pop stars like Nik Kershaw and Nina Cherry. I went off to study performing arts – but quickly realised it wasn’t for me. I’d already worked as a support worker and really missed that contact with people. I came home, started working at a specialist school and went off to commence my nurse training in London.  I still like to sing but it’s mostly in the car on my way to client visits nowadays.

In your work &/or personal life, tell me about your role model?

My nanny is a huge role model, in my personal and professional life without question.

I would also say Sheila and Heather, the two nurses at the specialist school where I was a support worker. They really taught a lot about good clinical standards, and resilience. It was because of them that I decided to go to Great Ormond Street Hospital and do my nurse training.

What is your spirit animal?

I’m going to say the hummingbird. They are a symbol of tenacity endurance and healing – which is perfect for me, as once a client has a goal in mind, I am tenacious about making sure they reach it. The sky is the limit for my brilliant clients!