Driving green change and celebrating 20 years at Shepton Mallet hospital – Heidi’s story
Celebrating 20 years at Shepton Mallet, Heidi Soderlin shares her journey of growth, leadership, and driving sustainability at Practice Plus Group.
As Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet celebrates its 20th anniversary, so does Heidi Soderlin. Heidi is a dedicated and inspiring member of the team whose professional journey has grown hand in hand with the hospital’s evolution.
Over the past two decades, she has progressed through a variety of leadership roles, earned two master’s degrees, and played a pivotal part in developing and supporting clinical teams. Her commitment to continuous learning, patient care, and team development reflects the values that have shaped the hospital since its opening.
She stands today not only as Head of Clinical Services but also as a driving force behind initiatives like the Green Group, which is championing sustainability across Practice Plus Group’s sites.
She says-
“When I joined the now Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet back in September 2005, I had relocated from Finland and had no idea what life would bring my way. Now, nearly 20 years on, I can happily say that I have enjoyed what I have accomplished over these past few years, and I love my everyday work.
I joined the team as an anaesthetic and recovery nurse. Soon enough, I was offered opportunities to become resuscitation lead, then anaesthetic lead and eventually theatre manager in 2010. Over the years, I completed two master’s degrees, one in teaching and learning for healthcare professionals, and another via the NHS Leadership Academy’s Elizabeth Garrett Anderson programme. In 2022, I became Head of Clinical Services.
Looking back, what has kept me here is the opportunity for growth. Every time I felt ready for more, the team offered me the next step right here at Shepton. So, I didn’t have to look elsewhere.
Turning Green Group into lasting impact
The Green Group came about because I was looking for something new to sink my teeth into. I stumbled across an online course on sustainable healthcare and that inspired the launch of our first sustainability group meeting.
Sustainability had always been on the radar at Practice Plus Group, and despite starting small, our passion soon translated in positive change. We gathered a team of enthusiastic people who did creative work to promote the group and carried out clinical policy checks to ensure our initiatives aligned with infection control’s best practices.
What surprised me the most was realising how much progress we had already made. From phasing out harmful anaesthetic gases to reducing surgical waste and adopting pre-filled syringes, we have made significant sustainable wins at the hospital.
A ripple effect across Practice Plus Group
Since I won the Excellence Award – Special recognition for contribution to sustainability for our Green Group, things have really taken off.
Other sites have started their own sustainability groups. I’ve been invited to present across the organisation and it’s rewarding to see the momentum build. This group has helped create a workplace where people know sustainability matters.
Two decades of growth and impact
As we celebrate 20 years of Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet, I feel incredibly proud to have been part of this journey. It’s a place that has not only shaped my career but also allowed me to make meaningful contributions, from supporting future nurses to driving sustainability. I am excited to see what the next chapter brings for our hospital, our people, and our planet”.
Life at Practice Plus Group
