In Conversation With Louise Simmons

One of the great things about working for Obex is seeing the growth and development it encourages in team members. I wanted to introduce you to Louise Simmons,

Tell us, what attracted you to working at Obex?  

Working with Obex has been a maze of pathways and valuable experiences for me, whether it’s working with trainee nurses as they come to arrange their college experience, qualified nurses looking for direction in their career, getting deep into clinical governance or talking shop with colleagues at Hitchin about the wonders of Endo.  

I was drawn to Obex because of the progressiveness of the business. Their understanding of how to support the progression of people through the company to align with their ever-changing skillset really appealed to me.  

Has working in Dentistry always appealed to you? 

Actually, working in Dentistry was never my plan, I was on another career path having completed my degree in Anatomical and Natural Sciences/Hons Biology until my circumstances changed and the road into Dentistry began. 

So, what are your favourite roles…so far? 

I’ve had many positions in the company, and I’ve been able to develop my interests and work on things that mean something to me. I’ve been supported by the clinicians at Hitchin whilst I gained a nursing qualification in Endo to enable me to work alongside Michael Steeden at a level I was comfortable with.  

I’m lucky enough to have contact with all nurses as the Arching Mentor between Kings and Obex. Academia and training are close to my heart. Sab understands this and inspired me to complete a teaching qualification following my work with the student nurses.  

It was during my time as Head Nurse of Stopsley that I developed a strong interest in clinical governance (I mean who wouldn’t). During our CQC inspection, I was determined that the outcome wouldn’t be just meeting the requirements of the CQC but taking something new away for myself and Obex. I like being ambitious and am not embarrassed to question people to learn more, including the CQC inspectors to learn more about clinical governance and how Obex can continue to develop. This is what led me to having an interest in compliance. 

It has been really interesting to see you learn and navigate through clinical terminology and discover the uniqueness, and large size, of the Hitchin practice. I’m proud to welcome you to the team.