LCL Pen Portraits - Julie Karlsen

I began my journey with the NHS at Aintree 32 years ago where I took part in the Milestones Training Programme (which no longer exists) at Aintree Hospital. This assisted me in finding a placement in Walton Hospital as Admin Support for Biochemistry and I spent around 18 months there before I applied for a role in the Cytology department at Aintree Hospital and spent 18 years there before making the move to the Cytology department at the Royal Hospital in 2009. When LCL formed, I moved with my department as it then fell under the LCL bracket. When some of the Cytology department moved to Manchester Infirmary, I decided I would stay with LCL and took a position in the Customer Care Team and spent two years in this role. In 2022 I found my skillset was better equipped as part of the Corporate Admin Team and I have been in this role ever since.

My favourite aspect of my current role as an Administrative Assistant is that it always keeps me busy. Whether it is labelling, scanning or processing, I always find myself with work to do and love the organisational aspect of this role. I am always learning and have a great and supportive team around me that makes this possible. We always have a good laugh and a lot of fun to be around, if I ever need guidance, they are always there for me.

I find that seeing my name in the Thank You Thursday column of the newsletter is the most rewarding thing I have felt working for LCL. It makes me proud when my colleagues recognise my work.

I deal with a condition known as Spina Bifida which means that I am paralysed from the waist down and have been since birth. My mobility has been the toughest challenge in my life, but I never let it stop me from enjoying life to the fullest. I love to go on exotic holidays and have recently been Dubai. I love being in the sun although it does not always love me!

Outside of work I love to watch the boxing. This has been a love of mine since I was just 14 years old when my dad used to take me, and I have never stopped watching ever since. I am a bit of a shopaholic as I love to shop for clothes and perfumes, which I often get compliments for around the office. I love listening to music, especially Ed Sheeran, but I am open to any kind of music.

When I am at home I am spending time with my dog Carlos, a Shar Pei. I love to spoil him, and he often sits at the bottom of my chair so I can give him treats.