Dyslexic worker prepares for national stage
Date of release: 28 March 2025
A dyslexic NHS worker is set to challenge herself and inspire others by presenting at a national conference.
Sam at her desk
Sam Jackson, Orthotics Clerk at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT), is unsure of spellings and maths, and gets nervous around meeting people.
But she has completed a Level 4 apprenticeship in Business Administration, equivalent to the first year of a degree, or a Higher National Certificate (HNC).
She is determined to leave her comfort zone to present her abstract at the British Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics annual conference near Wigan on 16 May.
“Sometimes my emails can sound a bit strange so I have an email signature ‘I’m #MadeByDyslexia – expect curious ideas and curious spelling’,” said Sam, 37. “Too much text is difficult so I like to bullet point.”
Colleagues help Sam so she can fulfil her duties. The service creates and fits artificial replacements for patients missing a limb, and corrects problems or deformities.
“I receive support with alphabets, spelling and colleagues help proofread my work when required,” she added.
Her abstract is titled ‘The importance of supporting your orthotic administration team; a personal journey’.
“It’s given me the knowledge to know why we do what we do as administrators, and what processes we need to make changes, how to understand stakeholders, perform risk assessments and resolve conflicts,” she said.
“I’d like to grow my career and encourage other administrators to push themselves, through apprenticeships or submitting abstracts.
“I aim to show how Orthotics administration staff should be recognised, valued, and integrated by the wider team, utilising and developing their skills to improve the service. If I can do it, others can follow.”
Starting work as a Health Cadet at 16, Sam was diagnosed with dyslexia at 18.
“I finally got tested when I was at university when I was worried about submitting my work,” said Sam.
“But people were really understanding if they realised you had a problem.”
A Theatre Support Worker in the Cardiac department at New Cross Hospital for 10 years, Sam switched to administration four years ago.
She returned to work when her daughter, 17, was two, and she also has two children with special educational needs.
At the conference, she will also present a neuro-diversity abstract co-written with colleagues Miriam Williams, Orthotist, and Gemma Cassidy from BAPO, looking how they can improve student placements.
Sam is indebted to the support from line manager Dr Nicky Eddison, Consultant Orthotist and Orthotics Service Manager.
“Nicky really pushes you,” said Sam. “She sees people’s potential, plants a seed and lets it grow. I think everyone should have the opportunity.”
Dr Eddison said: “The Orthotics service is passionate about embedding a culture of inclusivity in everything we do.
“Sam has pushed herself out of her comfort zone and it is great to see what she has achieved and to watch her grow in confidence.
“She is a huge advocate for administration staff and is a shining example of what people can achieve when they are given opportunities.”
