How Antonia Fox Built a Leadership Career at CHEC

From Diagnostic Technician to Hospital Manager: A Decade of Growth

Antonia’s career path at CHEC proves that ambition and hard work are richly rewarded here. Starting as a Diagnostic Technician in the early, community-based days of the company, she has progressed through key roles to become a multi-site Hospital Manager.

• The Early Days: Antonia began as a Diagnostic Technician, progressing to Lead Diagnostic Technician, where she handled everything from managing staff rotas to stock control—a far cry from her initial interest in medicine.
• A Natural Leader: After returning from maternity leave, Antonia took on an Optical Assistant at Blackpool and quickly stepped up to become the Location Manager for Preston when the site opened.
• Rising to the Top: Following a restructure, she now successfully manages CHEC’s hospitals in Blackpool, Preston, and Warrington.

“I’ve had so many opportunities here that I just don’t think you’d get anywhere else” said Antonia.

Antonia’s journey wasn’t handed to her; it was a result of taking on new challenges, supporting major mobilisations (like Macclesfield and Sheffield), and seizing the moment when opportunities arose. She’s proof that at CHEC, you can truly shape your career narrative.

The CHEC Difference: Why People Stay and Thrive

What is it about CHEC that fosters such long-term commitment? For Antonia, it’s about the unique culture and continuous opportunity.

1. A Culture of Opportunity and Development

At a rapidly growing organisation like CHEC, new roles and challenges are constantly emerging. Antonia is a testament to the benefit of having a supportive base:

• Paying it Forward: Antonia has successfully developed people within her own team, seeing them move on to new roles within CHEC. “It’s really nice to see that for them, like it’s giving them the same opportunity that I’ve had,” she says.
• New Horizons: “The business is growing all the time, so there’s always a new opportunity that’s coming up.” If you’re looking for a dynamic environment, you’ll find it at CHEC.

2. Your Voice is Heard

CHEC values the input of every colleague, from the newest starter to the most seasoned manager. Antonia has been deeply involved in shaping the business, advocating for practical changes to rota management ensuring that hours are appropriately spread across the week.

• Driving Change: “You can bring an idea to the table and you’re not going to be met with… No, we’re not listening to it. You’re actually heard.” This collaborative spirit means your experience directly influences how we work and improve.
• Building on Success: We’re always looking for better ways to do things. As Antonia notes, just because we’ve always done something a certain way, “doesn’t mean that it’s the best way and we can build on that.”

3. It’s a Family Affair

For Antonia, each site operates with a strong sense of community and support:

• Team Spirit: “On an individual basis, every site is a family and everyone really cares for each other.”
• Leading from the Top: We pride ourselves on having Senior Leadership Team  and Directors who are involved, know the staff, and are genuinely invested in the success of the hospitals.

Ready to Start Your Own CHEC Success Story?

Antonia’s journey over the past decade is a powerful illustration of the professional growth and supportive community that defines CHEC. We’re not just a healthcare provider; we are a place where dedicated people can build lasting, rewarding careers.

If you’re looking for a role that offers progression, recognises your hard work, and encourages your ideas, then CHEC is the place for you.

Explore our current vacancies and join the CHEC family today!