First female security role in Cwm Taf University Health Board

Cwm Taf University Health Board has appointed its first woman to a security job.

 

Lyndsey Powell, 35, from Tonyrefail works in Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Llantrisant, in a dual security and porter role.

 

Her work involves ensuring the safety and security of all outdoor and indoor areas by monitoring CCTV and patrolling the grounds.

 

She also reports security or safety hazards, secures the premises and enforces local policies in relation to car parking and being a smoke free site.

An especially important part of her role is her rapid response to security emergencies within the hospital.

 

Lyndsey joined the health board via the Welsh Government’s LIFT Programme, which helps local people into training and employment.

 

The LIFT programme is aimed at those who have spent more than six months out of work or training and who face the greatest barriers to becoming employable, such as young single parents, adults with few or no formal qualifications, people with poor employment records and individuals with disabilities.

 

Single mum Lyndsey said: “I was first attracted to the role of porter because I like doing a variety of things.

 

“You have to be physically fit as the job involves lifting and a lot of walking.”

 

Lyndsey’s role takes on greater importance at night by providing a feeling of safety for staff, patients, and visitors.

 

While on patrol, she routinely turns lights off as an energy saving measure, checks windows and doors to ensure better protection and to safeguard unoccupied areas.

 

A typical day also includes moving patients around the hospital, dealing with mail, and delivering vital supplies and equipment to keep the hospital running smoothly.

 

Lyndsey joined the LIFT Programme at her local community centre following which, she took on a work experience placement in the porters’ department at Royal Glamorgan Hospital.

 

Having now secured a permanent job at the health board, she said: “I would recommend the LIFT Programme as it helped me to get this job. I had a lot of support and regular communication throughout my placement.”

 

Lyndsey’s sister, Julie, has worked at Royal Glamorgan Hospital for 24 years as a medical secretary and was on hand to help with any queries about the site.

 

Beverley Pritchard, the health board’s pathways to employment project manager said: “The LIFT project has definitely helped to remove some barriers to employment.

 

“Lyndsey has proved to be a massive asset to the health board.  We will continue to work with the LIFT project and hopefully see more success stories like Lynsdey’s.”