Stockton hospital volunteer's dream to return as doctor

Molly Caygill (right), pictured with senior clinical lead nurse Nicola Grieves, says working at the hospital had prepared her for "what was to come" as a doctor

A former hospital volunteer said she hopes to return to work as a doctor after being accepted as a medical student.

Molly Caygill was just 16 when she began working at University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton.

After spending years volunteering in different departments, the 23-year-old is now preparing to study medicine.

Senior clinical lead nurse Nicola Grieve said Miss Caygill was "strong and independent", and staff were proud.

Over the years she volunteered in departments including cardiology and pathology, until getting a job as a healthcare assistant.

'More prepared'

Miss Caygill, of Great Ayton, who has accepted a place at Warwick University, already has a degree in biomedical science.

During her time at the hospital Miss Caygill worked in various departments including cardiology and pathology

She said: "Without the opportunities to volunteer and without the help of Nicola and everyone in the team, I wouldn't be in this position.

"All of the staff here have taught me so much. Because of them, I feel so much more prepared for what is to come.

"I want to come back here one day as a doctor in emergency care."

Ms Grieves said staff at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust would welcome the former volunteer back once she had trained.

"Molly has become a really strong, independent woman and we are all so proud of her," she said.

"She's a different woman to the one who first started here and understands so much about the care patients need.

"Molly is always welcome in our urgent and emergency care department."