Our Radiography Manager at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Emersons Green, shares how Practice Plus Group provides an environment where your career can thrive at the same time as enjoying a good work-life balance.
This World Radiography Day, Louisa Shreeves, Radiography Manager at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Emersons Green, shares how Practice Plus Group provides an environment where your career can thrive at the same time as enjoying a good work-life balance.
Funnily enough, I didn’t set out to work in radiography at all! I actually started with a passion for photography. But life has a way of surprising you.
I loved working with images, but when that path didn’t feel right, I took a job as a healthcare assistant. I discovered the joy of patient care. My mum suggested radiography, where I could combine imaging with patient care, and it just clicked. It felt like the perfect blend of my interests, and I knew I’d found my true calling.
After qualifying in 2012, I started working in a busy hospital in Wales. When I moved to Bristol, I first joined a small rheumatic hospital. I was looking for a workplace that could accommodate the needs of my young family.
Then, I joined Practice Plus Group Hospital, Emersons Green in 2017 and the flexibility of the role has been a game-changer. No night shifts or constant demands—allowing me to grow professionally while being present at home.
Working at Practice Plus Group has also transformed my approach to patient care. Unlike in larger hospitals, I have the privilege of spending more time with each patient, particularly those coming for pre-op and post-op imaging. For some, we’re the only people they see, so making their experience meaningful is important to me. This patient-centred care is what truly sets Practice Plus Group apart.
One of the best parts of my job is supporting my team’s growth. I joined here as a bank radiographer and within a year, I became a permanent team member, enjoying the stability. By late 2019, I was ready to take on more responsibility and moved into a deputy manager role, where I began developing leadership skills and supporting my team.
In 2021, I stepped up to Radiography Manager. Practice Plus Group has supported me every step of the way, and I want to make sure my team has the same chances to progress.
We have several team members here who started in different roles and are now studying to become radiographers. We have apprentices who began as healthcare assistants and administrators, and now they’re pursuing radiography degrees. Our team members are constantly expanding their skills, whether it’s in ultrasound, MSK X-ray reporting, or CT scan interpretation. It’s inspiring to see their growth and to be part of a workplace that invests in people.
Work-life balance and professional growth are truly pursued, and I highly recommend Practice Plus Group as an employer. It is not as fast-paced as A&E might be, but it offers a stable, supportive environment that’s perfect for building and honing your skills.
Radiography is more than just taking images. It’s a fulfilling, impactful career where you can grow, connect with patients, and maintain a healthy balance between work and life. On this World Radiology Day, I’m proud to celebrate the journey that brought me here and the opportunities radiography offers to make a meaningful impact in patients’ lives.
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