blog.gov.je
Every day, hundreds of Islanders rely on Outpatient Services to navigate their healthcare journey. Behind the scenes, a dedicated team works tirelessly to make sure appointments run smoothly, questions are answered, and patients feel reassured. One of those people is Alex Le Blancq, Outpatient Appointments Supervisor – whose calm presence and commitment to patient care help keep the system moving.
Keeping everything running smoothly
As supervisor, Alex oversees a range of outpatient departments, ensuring referrals are processed, urgent cases are prioritised, and staff are supported. His days are a blend of coordination, problem solving, and direct patient contact.
“Day to day, I’m overseeing departments, making sure referrals are uploaded and actioned, and supporting my team with queries,” he explains. “At the moment I’m also covering the gastroenterology clinic, so I’m regularly speaking to patients over the phone and email.”
A typical day begins in the back office, where Alex juggles calls from the public and questions from his team. Whether he’s advising on the booking process or helping staff navigate the hospital’s systems, he plays a crucial role in preventing delays.
“I aim to identify errors in the booking system before they affect patient care,” he says. “Catching things early makes a huge difference.”
Making a difference to Islanders’ lives
For many Islanders, hospital appointments can be confusing or worrying. Alex sees this every day and knows how important his role is in offering clarity.
“A lot of patients are unsure why they’re seeing a particular doctor, or where the referral came from,” he says. “When I can explain things clearly, it reduces anxiety and puts them at ease.”
As supervisor, he is often the first point of contact when someone is upset or frustrated. It’s something he handles with patience and professionalism.
“I enjoy being able to defuse situations,” he says. “Listening properly, giving them answers, and making sure they leave the call feeling heard makes such a difference.”
“I truly enjoy helping people. Being part of the testing team showed me how rewarding it is to support the public. You could see how much it meant to people”
A career shaped by a passion for helping
Alex’s journey into public service began during one of the most challenging periods in recent memory – the COVID-19 pandemic. He first joined Health and Community Services at the Island’s testing sites, working as a swabber at the airport drive through before quickly becoming a supervisor.
“I truly enjoy helping people,” he reflects. “Being part of the testing team showed me how rewarding it is to support the public. You could see how much it meant to people.”
That experience ignited his passion for frontline healthcare work and set him on the path toward his current role.
Growing every day
Alex is committed to continual development – something he feels strongly supported in within Health and Community Services.
“Using Connect, the internal learning platform, I have access to so many useful courses. They help with my day-to-day role but also strengthen my applications for progression,” he says. “I don’t think I’d find opportunities like this elsewhere.”
He also loves the diversity within Health and Care Jersey.
“You meet people from all over the world,” he adds. “It’s amazing to learn about different cultures and work with such a wide range of colleagues.”
Improving the system, one step at a time
Part of Alex’s role involves reviewing how clinics are structured and finding ways to improve them. And he has already made significant changes.
“Some departments were finding their clinics challenging to book into,” he explains. “After spending time with the teams and understanding their profiles, it became clear that the setup needed to be amended.”
By simplifying processes and adjusting booking structures to better reflect patient demand, he has made the system more efficient for both staff and patients.
“It’s rewarding to see how these changes directly benefit people,” he says.
Facing challenges with empathy
While the role is rewarding, it can also be emotionally demanding – particularly when he must deliver difficult news.
“Postponing appointments, especially at short notice, is extremely difficult,” he admits. “You can hear the disappointment in people’s voices. I sympathise deeply and wish I could get everyone seen sooner, but sometimes it’s unavoidable.”
On the toughest days, he reminds himself why he does what he does.
“If I have to stay an extra hour to get everything sorted, I will. The needs of the patient outweigh my own. Otherwise, someone down the line is affected.”
Moments that stay with you
One moment from his early career remains particularly meaningful.
While working as a COVID swabber, an elderly couple arrived at the testing centre without a booking. They had been told Track and Trace would call them back, but after an hour of waiting, they were still sitting in their car – distressed and fearful.
“They explained that if the husband caught COVID, he wouldn’t survive,” Alex recalls. “They were in tears.”
Moved by their situation, he approached management to request a manual booking – something not normally allowed at the time. They agreed.
“Their tears of sorrow turned into tears of joy,” he says. “I was emotional too. Moments like that remind me why I love what I do.”
Why Public Service?
For Alex, the answer is simple: meaning.
“It’s all about helping patients,” he says. “Whether it’s improving a process or just knowing you’ve made someone’s day a little easier, it’s incredibly rewarding.”
His advice for anyone considering public service?
“Go for it. If you enjoy helping people and want a career where you can make a real difference, this is the place to be. You feel the impact you have on people’s lives and it can lead you down paths you never expected.”
