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Lift off! A story of serendipity for Jamie Douglas

Jamie on the helipad in cap and gown
31 January 2025

Meet Jamie Douglas! He is the Interim Head of Capital Projects in the estates team at Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, and he has been part of the Sheffield Children’s helipad project team since its beginnings 10 years ago. In addition to working on the helipad project, Jamie has also been learning! 

Over the last three years Jamie has been studying for a degree in professional practice in management with a chartership in management at Sheffield Hallam University. This qualification aims to develop existing experience to create a champion of responsible organisational practices.  

The estates department helps the Trust with building construction, maintenance, and safety. Inside this department is the capital projects team, which Jamie has worked with during the helipad project. Capital projects manage new building and renovation projects for the Trust. 

Sheffield Children’s Hospital is the Major Trauma Centre for South Yorkshire and nearby areas. Our new helipad helps patients arrive safely and with dignity for urgent care. As the only centre in South Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire treating children under 16, we are open 24/7, all year round. 

The helipad will support flights from a wide region, including Bassetlaw and North Derbyshire. Before, flights had to land at Weston Park, requiring a busy road crossing to reach our Emergency Department. Now, the new helipad ensures a safer and more efficient way for patients to get urgent and emergency care. 

Jamie’s experience balancing academic and professional commitments over the past few years were shaped by strong support from both his manager and team. Estates director Peter Knowles played a significant role in helping Jamie create space for his studies through flexible working arrangements.  

Jamie on the helipad, in his gown and throwing the cap into the air

Jamie says: “Peter supported me through flexible working to allow study leave during the academic year as well as a few odd days for presentations and group work.”  

This flexibility helped Jamie find time for education without affecting work duties. As both the helipad and course began to gather pace, the team came together to support Jamie in reaching both academic and professional goals. Despite some challenges, their teamwork was essential for Jamie’s success in achieving these goals. 

As luck would have it, both of his worlds came together, and Jamie graduated with his degree on the same day of the official opening of the Sheffield Children’s Helipad!  

Jamie graduated with his new degree in the morning and visited the completed helipad in the afternoon! We were lucky to catch Jamie showing his wife the helipad, an incredibly special for moment for them both. 

Jamie said: “After many weekends spent working, being able to take her up to the helipad and capture that moment in a photo was truly meaningful.”  

We are so happy for Jamie! His achievements reflect the success of the capital projects team and the whole Trust, and we can’t wait to see what comes next. 

Jamie and his wife on top of the helipad

 

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