Smithills woman's dream come true as she starts new job

Louise Wignall, 46, appeared in the paper in October, looking for an office or admin role that would allow her to be paid at the same time as doing work she enjoys after she has mostly done volunteer work throughout her life.

And now her dream has come true after Dr Helen Wall, senior GP partner at The Oaks Family Practice, contacted Louise’s dad, Brian, to offer Louise at the site, which is based at Crompton Health Centre.

Louise, who lives in Smithills, is delighted and is really enjoying the role already.

She said: “I’ve really enjoyed my new job- it was a nice surprise.

“I do shredding of paper, sort files out into folders, sort through the post, we have put the Christmas decorations up and I’m enjoying my job.

Louise and her new teammates Liz Hurst and Katie Belcher (Image: Newsquest)

“I’m working two days a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and I am getting paid for it.

“I had my first pay packet and celebrated with a glass of champagne and treated myself.”

Louise's dad Brian Wignall, 71, said he and Louise’s mum June are "humbled" as Dr Wall contacted them the day after the article featured in the paper.

He said: “The feature appeared in The Bolton News on the Saturday and by Sunday afternoon four people presented opportunities that might be suitable for Louise.

“One of these messages was from Dr Helen Wall at The Oaks Surgery, Crompton Health Centre.

“June and I knew of her success in leading the Covid vaccine programme having seen her weekly interviews on television.

“We felt humbled that a person who had done so much for the Bolton community had reached out to potentially offer Louise a job.

Louise with her mum and dad, June and Brian (Image: Newsquest)

“Since starting her position as office administrator Louise has grown in confidence and has been far happier in herself.

“She love's going to work and wakes up with a buzz every Tuesday and Thursday.

“We are really grateful to The Bolton News for telling her story and to The Oaks Surgery for making it all possible.”

Dr Wall said she saw the article and wanted to give Louise a chance.

She said: “I read the story and just thought she would really lift the morale here.

“We are having a hard time with patient dissatisfaction just with the general system and I think every surgery is and it was just a nice story to sort of give her a chance and the staff have really been lovely with her and they have got on, so it has been lovely experience.

“She seems settled and she comes in with a small on her face and she is really a part of the team, so its good.”

Colleagues of Louise said she has already settled into the team and has brought a "spark" to the office.

Picture from Louise's childhood (Image: Newsquest)

Office manager Zoe Guffogg said: “Louise has settled in, and she has really brought a good morale to the team.

“She is a good person to have around, and she mainly does shredding, gives out notes, files notes and has been opening posts and general admin roles.

“Having her here makes her happy and it makes us happy, and she brings a nice spark to the office, and I just think it is fair that everyone gets an equal chance.

“As soon as she comes in, she is straight to work, doing some shredding, digging notes out and she isn’t just sat there.

"She is constantly working and asking for other jobs to do, she is a good person to have around.”

Congratulations on the new job role Louise from all of us at The Bolton News!