As Featured in Time & Leisure Magazine - Anita van Heerden, MD of the award-winning Merco Medical Staffing, talks teamwork, growth and plans for the future.
Tell us a bit about yourself and Merco
I am Anita van Heerden, MD of Merco Medical Staffing in Raynes Park and almost 20 years ago I joined a two-person recruitment business operating from a tiny flat in Wimbledon Park. We had a few doctors at the time - and being from South Africa I had to become familiar with the UK Healthcare system very fast, it was a baptism of fire!
And now?
Today we have a team of 40 staff internally and provide over 200 healthcare settings with clinical staff - from HCAs to GPs, nurses and paramedics. I like to think we do things a little differently from other agencies in the level of service we provide.
How has Covid-19 affected the business?
At the start of Covid-19 the business was as underprepared as the rest of the world. We had clinicians on the front line putting themselves and their families at risk without enough PPE, working long hours, and going wherever in the country the need was greatest. We had to all pull together very quickly to support them, both at work and with their mental health.
Is this what created the award winning Merco ‘Team Spirit’ we saw at the Merton Business Awards?
We have always had a remarkable team of consultants at Merco; they really know their stuff and several have been with us for over 10 years! What happened during Covid-19 really solidified our relationships with the workforce on the front line. We came together, and everyone did whatever was necessary.
So your team spirit goes beyond the doors of the office in many ways?
Absolutely! This award is for everyone that is a part of the Merco family, we are extremely proud of the way our clinicians have coped. The Merton Business Awards has paid tribute to our collective goal – and we are so happy to have won!
What’s next for Merco?
We are growing! Newer members of our internal team get fantastic support from the experience and expertise that exist within the business. If any of your readers are thinking of a career change, and have a sales or customer service background, they’re welcome to get in touch with us!
Fantastic! Are there any additional
pre-requisites?
Just a few: resilience, the desire to make a difference to the future of healthcare, and of course… a whole load of team spirit!