Playing a role on both sides, Olivia Smart

10 February 2021

Q&A with the multi-talented Olivia Smart - trainee advanced practitioner at LTHT, defender for Leeds United Women's football team, and volunteer Covid vaccinator!

Q - What’s your role at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals?

A - My role within the Trust is that of a trainee advanced practitioner. I work within the liver transplant and organ retrieval team. The majority of my job is organ retrieval and I do that up and down the country, usually at night! When we're not on the road I see patients for surgery in clinic and operate in general surgery theatre lists. 

Q - And you have another job?

A - I can't really call it a job, who calls their hobby a job, and I am lucky enough to get to do it very often. I play for Leeds United Women and I have been since I was scouted for them at the age of 10.

Q - How have you been involved in the vaccination programme?

A - I've been involved since December on a voluntary basis, with the majority of my time working as a vaccinator. 

 After 12 months of struggle, this is the light at the end of the tunnel. It truly is fantastic that such hard work and commitment has managed to develop a vaccine in such a short time. Be sure to get vaccinated!

Q - How do you stay fit and well?

A - I am very fortunate that my friends and family are a great support network. I have fantastic colleagues who have gone above and beyond to support one another. Running, like a lot of people has become my exercise routine and for me it has provided some of the mental escape I used to get from football. And Yorkshire is beautiful, so running/walking is great.

 I also think that setting, daily tasks is important no matter how big or small. Each day a small achievement, from getting in my 10,000 steps, to avoiding taking the lift for a day, has had such a positive impact on my mindset.