A Day in the Life of Hittess Vaghela

A DAY IN THE LIFE
February 09, 2009 by Hittess Vaghela Luton Borough Council

How I got in... I wanted a career that tested my scientific and social skills at the same time. I didn't want to be lab based or stuck in an office all day. I wanted to feel like I was making a real difference to peoples’ lives. I heard about a career in Environmental Health during my placement year at Thames Water whilst doing my B.Sc. (Hons) Degree in Environmental Protection and Monitoring. Since I had a science degree I was eligible to do the M.Sc. Degree in Environmental Health at the University of Birmingham. This was a "conversion" course and provided a route into the profession for graduates like me. Whilst completing the degree I did the necessary professional requirements of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, in that I completed the work experience log book, institute exams and interview. This then enabled me to practise as an Environmental Health Practitioner. I worked for Birmingham City Council for 2 years after qualifying only to be attracted back to my home town of Luton for a job in the Food Control Team! What I like about the job... I love working in Luton. It's my home town and I gain a lot of job satisfaction in improving the health within the town - be that from improving hygiene conditions within food premises, educating members of the public in hygiene and infectious diseases and generally doing my bit to make the town a safer place to live and work in. I feel like a valued member of the team - the support is there from my manager and I am given training opportunities to expand my knowledge. I am given responsibility to get on with my job, to make the decisions I see fit and there is an element of trust that operates within the team. I am able to plan and organise my day how I want, as long as I meet my responsibilities e.g. dealing with complaints and carrying out inspections. The town is multicultural; it's vibrant and a great place to test my skills as an EHP. There is always something happening here and an excellent place to develop both my educational and enforcement skills. To summarise - it's a great place to work!

Posted in A Day In The Life of A Public Health Officer | January 20, 2009 by Hittess Vaghela Luton Borough Council