Jack's Journey

Date: 01 September 2019      Category: News

Jack and Beth

At Medilink, we think it is vital to listen to our customers and their journeys to see how we benefit those who use our service and how we can continue to better our care. To that extent we have staff working in the field meet to discuss the stories of those living with a stoma.

“I was recommended to try Medilink® by the Ileostomy Association and they are great!”

Whilst playing table tennis and Pacman, Jack, a retired Production Manager in the automotive industry, and Engineering Apprentice Beth, talk about how their lives are entwined.

Having a career in the automotive industry, Jack’s hobbies include watching car and motorbike racing. Even after six operations, four parastomal hernias and now arthritis, Jack still loves tinkering with engines, a passion he picked up from watching racing. He chatted with Beth about how his organisational skills, honed by working in Production, help him get through life and how Medilink® always delivers high quality support, something he felt he didn’t have with previous suppliers.

Jack worked as a Production Manager - a job he loved after rising up through the ranks. He fell ill in 2013 and after spending a lot of time off work, he made the difficult decision to take early retirement. As hard as it has been since, Jack still has his hobby of motor racing to enjoy – travelling around the UK to the circuits.

Beth then wanted to know if having a stoma affected him at all whilst travelling.

“No. I am a planner though. Having spent a career in Engineering and Production, I like order and I plan everything. For example, I have a toilet finder app on my phone – I plan my journeys using it so I know I will never be caught short.”

Beth’s partner works for Medilink® so she wanted to hear Jack’s thoughts on our Home Delivery Service. After having problems with his previous supplier with wrong products and non-deliveries, Jack was recommended Medilink® by the Ileostomy Association. He finds that support goes a long way, including sharing experiences with other ostomates, such as the Ostopals young support group. Jack’s happy that he has control again with his bag, and wouldn’t change it for the world.

“I can chat about all sorts of things with the staff. It’s also great that the service has local Stoma Care Nurses. My Nurse is Debbie and she’s lovely. I get what I need on time and I haven’t yet had a problem with delivery.”

Jack then wanted to find out more about Beth’s career. Beth is an Engineering Apprentice working in the healthcare sector and has worked in lots of different sections of the organisation as part of her ongoing learning. Her apprenticeship supported her with her education and in helping her progress both professionally and personally. She’s been up to Scotland to attend open days and to meet people living with a stoma first hand. Beth can now understand the needs of customers and take their thoughts, ideas and comments back to the working line.

To see more of Jack & Beth’s chat, please watch the full video below: