Mayfield Medics on the Frontline We were delighted that OC Dr Charlotte Turrell (Class of 1992) took some time out of her very busy schedule to talk to us about her work. Q: When did you first decide you wanted to be a Doctor? A: At School I realised I was good at Science and loved the idea of working with people. I was attracted by the idea of a vocational degree.
Q: Where did you study after Mayfield? A: In London at the UMDS (United Medical and Dental Schools of Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals) for five years, which was a real eye-opener coming from my rural Mayfield life! I had a room at St Thomas’ overlooking the river and facing Westminster which was amazing. I then had a final year working as a GP registrar.
Q: Where was your first job after University? A: Greenwich Hospital where I spent six months in Medicine, and then the Kent and Sussex Hospital in Tunbridge Wells where I spent six months in Surgery. It was a tough ‘old school’ experience whereby I was on call all weekend with little or no sleep. It was hard but I learned a lot and the camaraderie was great.
Practice Manager of the Year 2020. At the start of the pandemic there was a lot of anxiety and uncertainty but it has actually brought us together as a team.
Q: We understand you were on the BBC News as your GP Practice was the first in Sussex to start giving patients the Covid-19 vaccine? A: On 15th December 2020 we were the first practice in Sussex to start the vaccination programme. We are a hub for five local practices (Uckfield, Buxted, Heathfield, Herstmonceux and Newick) and we can administer up to 500 vaccinations per day - an impressive team effort!
Dr Charlotte Turrell on right
Q: Do you have any advice for aspiring Mayfield medics? A: Be open-minded and take every opportunity you can along the way. You can make a real difference to people’s lives - go for it!
Q: Where are you working now and how long have you been there? A: I’m now working in Uckfield as a GP in the Meads Medical Centre. I’ve been there for 11 years.
Q: How has your experience of working as a GP through Covid been? A: It’s been wonderful. I feel very privileged to work in such a forwardthinking surgery with amazing colleagues including Charlotte Luck, our Practice Manager, who was awarded The Meads Vaccine Team after the first delivery of the Oxford vaccine: “The beginning of the end!”
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