Workers at Airedale Hospital NHS Foundation Trust have been talking about why they feel valued by their employer as part of National Inclusion Week.
Tami (pictured above) is a nurse in Airedale Hospital's intensive care unit and is neurodivergent.
She has had reasonable adjustments to allow her to work in an environment that meets her needs, giving her the best opportunity to thrive at work. She's also a member of the hospital trust's 'Enable' staff network.
Tami says:
“As a late-diagnosed autistic person with ADHD, I’ve struggled with my mental health for a long time. It’s always been difficult to explain why I ‘look fine’ on the outside but often feel overwhelmed and unable to cope internally. Awareness of neurodivergence has improved massively in recent years, and it’s now easier to be open about my diagnosis and how it affects me at work.
“Having an open dialogue with my colleagues is essential. I sometimes find it hard to advocate for myself or explain why certain aspects of my role can cause me stress or anxiety. But knowing I can be honest without fear of stigma or judgment makes a huge difference — especially in a complex, high-pressure environment like ICU where clear and direct communication is vital. My team is incredibly supportive and approachable, and our clinical educators play a key role in co-ordinating training, development and ensuring myself and others are adequately supported in our role.
“Most of the adjustments I’ve had are small but impactful things which benefit the whole team like being prompted to take breaks, using organisational tools and being able to do documentation and written work without interruptions. I find unexpected changes to my routine difficult to manage but my colleagues recognise this and always ensure I know that I can ask for help when I need to. Feeling understood and supported means that I have grown in confidence, and I am able to utilise my strengths in attention to detail and recognising patterns, empathy, and problem-solving in my practice.
“I’m also involved with the Enable Staff Network and am currently working on a project to increase support and awareness of neurodiversity and mental health at work – I know from experience how isolating it feels to be misunderstood. Everyone should feel empowered to ask for the support they need to thrive. To me inclusion is just part of what we do as caring professionals working in a healthcare environment. We all have different strengths and support needs and we all help each other out when we can.”
Mothy Aravind Thaliyadath is an Advanced Clinical Practitioner. After graduating and specialising in Critical Care Nursing for two years in Kerala, Mothy decided to move to the UK to continue nursing. She chose Airedale because it seemed like a caring hospital in the heart of nature.
Mothy says:
“I started my career as a Band 3 Senior health care support worker at Airedale in 2020. I joined as an international nurse and after completing OSCE I moved to Band 5.
“During my band 5 I got the opportunity to study as a professional nurse advocate and became the first PNA in Airedale. I became band 6 in 2021, which gave me a good opportunity to improve my leadership role. I passed the interview for Apprenticeship Advanced Clinical Practitioner role in 2023 and am presently working as a band 7 trainee ACP in Ambulatory Care Unit (ACU). I’m presently doing the 2nd year of my Masters in the Advanced Clinical Practitioner role, along with my practice.
“Throughout this journey in Airedale I got great support from my colleagues, managers and my team. When I came to UK my only dream was to work as a band 5 nurse. I never expected anything more than that, and I didn’t have any knowledge about career progression in UK. But my managers and colleagues in Airedale gave me that, which helped me to achieve what I’m today. I’m happy to have taken a right choice to come to Airedale.
“As an international nurse, doing a 3 year Masters in my second language was not easy for me initially. I faced lots of challenges in adapting to the learning methods here. But my manager, supervisor, mentor, my colleague’s in ACU team, doctors and trainee ACP friends are all helping me in my journey to achieve my goal. It was amazing to find such a wonderful team who care about others this much. I’m very lucky to be a part of Airedale.”
Sean is a Logistics Manager in AGH Solutions and is also a veteran, having served in the Royal Air Force for 32 years. He plays a key part in the hospital's armed forces staff network.
Sean said:
“I’m a big believer in recognising the service provided by both full-time members and reserves in the Armed Forces.
“The Trust is a great advocate of the Armed Forces Network and encourages those who are serving or have served to show how the skills learnt through service can be transferred over to working within the NHS.
“The resilience, adaptability and positive attitude learnt and developed by those who have served or are serving are all things that help out in everyday workings within the Trust.
“The atmosphere working at Airedale is very welcoming and encouraging. And so far, I have found everyone very helpful. Plus there’s a good bit of banter amongst the Armed Forces network on site”
Katherine Duke, Deputy Director of People at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust said:
“We want to create an environment where everyone feels they belong and can reach their full potential at work with no barriers.
"We hope these stories show how we create an environment that allows everyone to thrive and flourish and recognises the importance of an inclusive workplace.”
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