Jemma’s journey from patient to healthcare leader as University Hospital celebrates 20 years

As University Hospital Coventry marks 20 years, one member of staff has shared how the Trust has shaped her life, career and family story from the very beginning.

Jemma Tomkinson arrived at the new hospital on its opening day in 2006 after becoming unwell and was later diagnosed with viral meningitis. She remembers the kindness and reassurance shown during what was a daunting time after recently moving to Coventry.

The experience stayed with her and helped shape her decision to train as an Operating Department Practitioner at Coventry University. She later joined University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust, the same organisation that had cared for her as a patient, and has since built a career across clinical, education and leadership roles.

Following a complicated pregnancy, Jemma gave birth to her daughter at UHCW. Born at just 26 weeks, she was cared for by the Special Care Baby Unit. Jemma says the compassion, dedication and kindness shown by Neonatal staff helped her family through an incredibly difficult time.

In 2017, her daughter Amelie sadly died in a car accident just before her second birthday. During the most devastating period of her life, Jemma says staff cared for her daughter with dignity and love, while also supporting her and her family with genuine compassion.

Today, she works as AHP Workforce Lead within the Trust’s AHP Senior Leadership Team.

Jemma said: “UHCW has been present throughout some of the most significant moments of my life. It cared for me as a frightened young patient, inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare, supported me to grow professionally and cared for my family during moments of great joy and devastating loss.

“My story is just one of thousands, but it shows the lasting impact compassionate care can have. Twenty years ago, I arrived at UHCW as a patient.

“Today, I am proud to be part of the organisation that helped shape my life, my career and my future. For that, I will always be grateful.”

University Hospital opened in 2006 and has since cared for millions of patients from Coventry, Warwickshire and beyond.

The Trust is marking the milestone by celebrating the people, stories and moments that have shaped the hospital over the past two decades.