To celebrate International Nurses Day, we spoke with some of the incredible nurses working across Harley Street. Meet Panagiotis (Giotis) Sidiropoulos, a Registered Nurse at OneWelbeck. Giotis is part of the Pre- and Post-Operative team in the Surgery Centre, where he plays a key role in supporting patients before and after their procedures.
Can you tell us about your role?
My role as an RN is to ensure patients are fit and ready for their scheduled procedure on the day of admission. I also support and care for them during their recovery, making sure they’re well enough to be safely discharged.
Panagiotis (Giotis) Sidiropoulos, a Registered Nurse at OneWelbeck.
What inspired you to become a nurse, and how has the journey shaped you?
As a child, I was prone to illness and spent time in hospital due to asthma. While doctors played an important role, it was the nurses who stayed by my side, making me feel at ease. I grew fond of that ability to comfort and support others and knew I wanted to do the same one day. Working in healthcare has taught me the true value of teamwork. When there’s a challenge in a patient’s recovery, it’s a collective effort to achieve the best outcome. You have to hold yourself together, be open to asking for help, and be willing to give and receive feedback—lessons I apply in my personal life as well.
How have you seen the role of nurses evolve over the years?
Over the years, I’ve seen the nursing profession gain more autonomy and responsibility. As technology continues to advance and becomes more integrated into care and recovery, I believe the role will continue to evolve and expand.
What’s the most rewarding part of being a nurse?
It’s emotional. The greatest reward is the satisfaction of knowing I contributed to someone’s recovery and made a positive difference in their journey.
How can we inspire more young people to consider a career in nursing?
Many young people are looking for high-earning careers, and nursing may not appear to offer that. But we need to highlight the deeper rewards—like the fulfilment of making a difference in someone’s life. Nursing is a calling, not just a job.
What role do nurses play in patient care beyond medical procedures?
Nurses play a vital role beyond the clinical. We’re there to monitor emotional wellbeing, offer reassurance, and provide comfort. Recovery isn’t just physical—the mind is a powerful part of the healing process, and we’re there to support that as well.
What advice would you give to a nurse just starting their career?
Nursing is a challenging career. You’ll need patience, resilience, and compassion. It’s natural to feel affected when caring for others—especially when things don’t go as hoped—but it’s essential to learn how to bounce back and keep going.
