Behind the scenes with Darren Murphy – IM&T Project Manager

This week we’re going ‘behind the scenes’ with Darren Murphy, a project manager based in Norwich. Darren has been with the Trust for three years, but started his EEAST life as a community first responder (CFR)!

So Darren, tell us a bit about yourself!

I started my IT career in gaming before working in the private sector as a systems programmer. It was there I discovered the world of project management.  I joined the Trust five years ago as a volunteer CFR, and started a substantive role three years ago after working for the Norfolk & Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust.

My current role is primarily focused upon improving the Trust’s performance, working with the operational performance group and engaging with commissioners to ensure we are doing as much as possible to meet our targets for patients.  I’m supporting the team by producing plans, and creating specific actions to help us deliver against this.  Alongside that, I can be tasked to deliver any Trust project which may or may not be IT-related. You can get in touch with me for general advice on anything project management related!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Working with people who are as equally passionate about the service we provide to patients.  I have had meetings with clinical staff interrupted by Red calls, and I have ended up performing CPR and providing support to a patient’s relatives.  The meeting continued later but it was a privilege to help contribute to patient care when the call came in. Being a project manager offers a great deal of variety and job satisfaction.  After delivering a project, something new always comes along which provides a fresh challenge.

What motivates you when it comes to working for the Trust?

Knowing that the work I’m doing will directly benefit patients.  I was directly involved in the delivery of regional telephony which allowed us to become the best performing trust for call pick up times.  It was satisfying to know that patients would no longer have to wait for their calls to be picked up locally, when we had call handlers available regionally.

Which of the Trust values (respect, care, teamwork, quality, honesty) is most important to you, and why?

Care.  I believe the other values underpin the giving of care to patients, as well as to our colleagues.

What made you want to work for the ambulance service?

I came to the Trust as it provided an opportunity to introduce changes and improvements to directly benefit patients.  As I was already a volunteer for the Trust, being able to make a difference whilst getting paid was an opportunity I couldn’t miss.

What did you want to be when you were young?

A pilot, military or civil, I didn’t mind as long as it involved flying. I realised my ambition to become a pilot and create myself new ambitions each time one is fulfilled.  If you see me, ask me what my latest one is.

Published 11th November, 2016