About me
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Name: |
Darcie Parry |
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Current role: |
Care Coordinator |
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Work setting: |
Newgate Medical Group (GP Practice / Primary Care) |
I am a Care Coordinator working in a busy GP practice called Newgate Medical Group.
My role is to support patients by helping them access the right healthcare services and support at the right time. I work closely with GPs, Nurses, Pharmacists, hospital teams, and community services to make sure patients receive coordinated and personalised care.
Every day, I help people understand their healthcare options, navigate services, and get the support they need to improve their health and wellbeing.
Read more about Darcie's story below or watch her 4 minute video:
My career journey
Like many people working in healthcare, my career journey has involved learning new skills and gaining valuable experience along the way. I have always enjoyed helping people and wanted a role where I could make a positive difference. What attracted me to healthcare was the opportunity to support individuals during important moments in their lives.
Working in primary care has given me the chance to develop my knowledge of healthcare services and understand how different professionals work together to support patients. Through experience and ongoing learning, I have developed the skills needed to coordinate care and support patients with a wide range of health needs.
One of the things I have learned is that there isn't always one set path into healthcare. There are many different roles and opportunities available, and often your career can develop in directions you may not have originally expected.
How I got into this role
There are several routes into a Care Coordinator role. Many people gain experience through administrative, customer service, healthcare support, or care-based roles before progressing into care coordination. Others may enter through apprenticeships or training programmes within healthcare settings.
Experience working with people, strong communication skills, and an interest in supporting others are all valuable qualities for this role. One of the great things about healthcare is that there are many opportunities to learn and develop while working, allowing people from different backgrounds to build successful careers.
What my role involves
As a Care Coordinator, my main responsibility is helping patients receive the right care and support for their individual needs. Some of my daily tasks include:
Speaking with patients by telephone or in person.
Helping patients understand their care plans.
Coordinating support between healthcare professionals.
Signposting patients to local community services and support groups.
Following up with patients who may need additional help.
Supporting patients with long-term health conditions.
Liaising with hospitals, community teams, and other healthcare providers.
No two days are exactly the same, which makes the role both interesting and rewarding.
What I enjoy most
The most rewarding part of my role is knowing that I have helped make a difference to someone's life.
Many patients can feel overwhelmed by healthcare appointments, referrals, and different services. Being able to guide and support them through that process is incredibly rewarding.
I enjoy building relationships with patients and helping them feel listened to, informed, and supported. It is especially satisfying when a patient receives the help they need and feels more confident about managing their health and wellbeing.
Challenges
Like many healthcare roles, there can be challenges. Healthcare services are often very busy, and patients may sometimes be dealing with complex health or personal circumstances. It can take time to find the right support for each individual.
To overcome these challenges, it is important to stay organised, communicate effectively, work closely as part of a team, and remain patient and compassionate. Even when situations are challenging, knowing that you are helping people access support makes the role worthwhile.
Skills you need
Some of the key skills needed to be a successful Care Coordinator include:
Excellent communication skills
Active listening
Compassion and empathy
Teamwork
Organisation and time management
Problem-solving
Adaptability
Attention to detail
Confidence using digital systems and technology
A commitment to helping people
My advice
If you're thinking about working in health or social care, my advice would be to give it a try. There are many different roles available, and not all of them involve direct clinical care. Healthcare needs people with a wide range of skills, interests, and experiences.
Don't be afraid to start small and build your knowledge over time. Every experience you gain can help you develop valuable skills that will support your future career.
The best way to learn is to stay curious, ask questions, and take advantage of opportunities to gain experience. Healthcare can be challenging at times, but it is also a career where you can genuinely make a positive difference to people's lives every day.
Career tips and next steps
If you're interested in becoming a Care Coordinator or working in healthcare, consider:
Exploring careers within the NHS and Primary Care.
Looking at healthcare support worker or administrative roles.
Considering apprenticeships in health and care.
Volunteering in healthcare or community settings.
Developing communication and customer service skills.
Speaking to careers advisers about local health and social care opportunities.
Remember, there are many routes into healthcare, and every role plays an important part in helping people stay healthy and well.
You don't have to know exactly where your career will take you. Start with an interest in helping people, keep learning, and opportunities will follow.
Read more 'Day in the life' of primary care workers
We've pulled together all these personal journeys to showcase the diversity of primary care roles and give a hollistic, honest view of the highs and lows that come with the job. We believe primary care is a rewarding career path and our goal is make Nottingham and Nottinghamshire a great place to work, so our workforce can deliver the best possible care.
This case study forms part of our work experience activity. It is perfect for students aged 14 or over (school or college), career changers, or anyone interested in exploring careers in health and social care. If you complete 5 activities you can achieve a gold level certificate. Already downloaded your pack? Read more stories! Want to join this work experience? Click to start!
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