Meet Sabah Ijaz, Service Manager for Haematology/Oncology

What is your name and what do you do?

I am Sabah Ijaz and I’m the Service Manager for all clinical specialities within Haematology/Oncology (both malignant and non-malignant). I work operationally to manage the day to day running of services and look to see we are meeting all the strategic/quality requirements we need to run our services.

When most people access NHS services, they don’t realise the immense amount of work that goes on behind the scenes in making sure our services are fit for purpose, meet the needs of families and deliver excellent quality care. I work collaboratively with all clinical staff (nursing, medical and allied health professionals) so we can all improve our services and accomplish this. I’m based in Ladywood House but you’ll see me up in Waterfall House most days.

How would you describe a typical day/ shift?

Very varied! The one thing I love about my job is that no two days are the same. I can be up on the ward chatting through service improvements, be down in clinic looking at a better pathway for children or speaking with commissioners about regional services we provide. It’s all about making sure we are delivering patient centred care. Most people would think our jobs are sat behind a screen or back-office function but I do more steps now walking between departments, clinic and ward than in previous jobs.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I enjoy making a difference to the lives of patients with the development of new services or improving what we have. Ultimately ensuring they are managed safely and effectively. 

What’s your favourite thing about working at BWC?

Working with such a great team (clinical and non-clinical) who are engaged and keen. No matter who you speak to, they want the best for our families. 

What achievement are you/ your team most proud of?

Running our service safely during covid and overnight flipping the way clinic was run so we could protect our vulnerable patients during a really tough time. We didn’t stop delivering any care and carried on 100 percent. 

Not a lot of people know this but……

I used to have a radio show when I was at university and was in their production team. Our radio show also won the best radio show back in 2016!