Spotlight On

In our "Spotlight On" series, you can meet members of the QM Family. Here's Lucy Franek, School Nurse in the Health & Wellbeing Centre

What are your main roles at QM?

I am a School Nurse working in the Health and Wellbeing Centre, so I deal with everything and anything that can befall the girls or members of staff, be it illness or accidents or just being there for them to talk to. No two days are the same.

What do you like about working at QM?

The location is idyllic, who wouldn’t like working amongst such magnificent grounds? I was interviewed at the end of summer before the Autumn term, it was an array of magnificent colours and hanging baskets, with manicured lawns and neatly trimmed hedges: absolutely breathtaking.

When I applied, I knew the school was well thought of in terms of academic achievement and a place that nurtured the girls to be the best they can be, as well as caring for not just their physical but also their mental wellbeing.

Where did you come from before QM?

I came from a sandwich factory! For the majority of my working life, I have worked in Occupational Health, in a variety of nursing positions within different industries, including printing, aviation, logistics, both light and heavy engineering, as well as several within food manufacturing. I have also worked in two other schools as well as several roles within the NHS. I have been a nurse for 43 years, I would like to think this will be my last role before retirement.

What are you most proud of?

My three sons.

How do you relax when you are not at QM?

I enjoy outdoor pursuits, walking, gardening, animal husbandry as well as horse riding (when I was younger). I am also keen on handicrafts knitting, crochet, tapestry, cross stitch, and embroidery, as well as dressmaking, home furnishings and probably more things if I got to try them.

Who would you most like to sit down and have a cup of tea/coffee with?

I always fancied having tea with the late Queen.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Follow your dreams, sadly I didn’t.

What’s your favourite biscuit?

Garibaldi.