For more than 40 years, Geraldine Cotton has been working at City Hospital, ensuring patient care is delivered timely and smoothly, making significant differences to the lives of many people.
Senior Medical Secretary for Trauma and Orthopaedics at City Hospital, Birmingham, Geraldine (56), from Rowley Regis, explained: “After graduating from high school, I knew that I wanted to become a secretary. I also wanted to work for a caring and professional organisation and that was why I decided to work for the NHS.
“I started as a trainee in 1974. I worked in various departments, including The Supplies division on Hagley Road, West Midlands Ambulance Service, and the ‘Archway of Tears’ building at City Hospital. I was appointed a Medical Secretary in 1979 at City Hospital and developed a wealth of experience in medical terminology. Now, I am a senior medical secretary and I manage medical secretaries in Trauma and Orthopaedics at Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, all of whom are excellent Medical Secretaries who work together as a team to provide a quality caring service to our patients.
“Since I have the opportunity to work as a medical secretary and manage others, I can see both sides of the coin and find myself relating to both roles, which helps me get work done with good outcomes.
“I enjoy my role as a medical secretary. I have good relationships with doctors, consultants, staff and patients. I find the job rewarding when patients thank me for helping solve their problems.”
Looking back at her career journey, Geraldine has developed a deep loyalty to the Trust. She always aims to work really hard on the Trust’s behalf and prides herself on high standards. She strives to provide an excellent and caring service to all of the stakeholders. Geraldine is not afraid of challenges.
She said: “I enjoy the diversity of my work. Since my job involves using technology to assist consultants and patients, I am not afraid to adapt to new changes to ensure I can deliver the best outcome.”
Geraldine‘s own hero is the actor Morgan Freeman, she explained:” He is such an inspirational figure because he portrays a genuine and caring character as well as positive energy, which motivates me to keep progressing and enjoying my life.”
In her spare time, Geraldine enjoys reading and listening to music. She sometimes goes to a soul night and does Zumba to keep her mind and body active. Geraldine is planning to travel to Egypt with her husband and two children for their summer vacation.
