Clinical-grade virtual assistant support for clinicians, therapists and small business owners

VIRTUAL (PA) ASSISTANT—United Kingdom

Why people come to me

My clients are clinicians, therapists and small business owners whose work carries real responsibility – but whose days are being swallowed by admin.

Their inbox is full of referrals, reports and invoices, their diary is double‑booked, and the work that actually moves patients, clients and projects forward keeps getting pushed to “when I have a minute” – which never comes.

They don’t need another app or productivity tip. They need someone who can step in quietly, handle the admin to a clinical, professional standard, and keep everything moving without creating more work for them.

By the time they reach me, they’ve tried colour‑coded diaries, apps and late nights. What they haven’t tried is delegating the right things to someone who understands clinical and business admin inside‑out.

That’s where I come in: a UK‑based virtual assistant with medical‑secretary and compliance experience, acting as the calm, reliable back‑office for the work you can’t afford to drop.

Why people come to me

My clients are clinicians, therapists and small business owners whose work carries real responsibility – but whose days are being swallowed by admin.

Their inbox is full of referrals, reports and invoices, their diary is double‑booked, and the work that actually moves patients, clients and projects forward keeps getting pushed to “when I have a minute” – which never comes.

They don’t need another app or productivity tip. They need someone who can step in quietly, handle the admin to a clinical, professional standard, and keep everything moving without creating more work for them.

By the time they reach me, they’ve tried colour‑coded diaries, apps and late nights. What they haven’t tried is delegating the right things to someone who understands clinical and business admin inside‑out.

That’s where I come in: a UK‑based virtual assistant with medical‑secretary and compliance experience, acting as the calm, reliable back‑office for the work you can’t afford to drop.

From Mental Health Act Admin to STERBAVA: Building a Clinical‑Grade Virtual Assistant Business

Before I founded STERBAVA, I worked as a Medical Secretary and Mental Health Act (1983, 2007) Compliance Administrator in mental health services.

My work wasn’t just typing letters. It involved:

  • Managing detention paperwork where a single error could mean an unlawful deprivation of liberty.
  • Organising Hospital Managers’ hearings, Tribunals, CPAs and clinical reviews with tight legal timescales.
  • Handling highly sensitive patient information under regular CQC scrutiny.

Alongside that, I created detailed induction handbooks and training materials for new staff. Those manuals were later adopted by over 80 hospitals and services across England and Wales, helping teams stay compliant and reducing clinical incidents.

All of this hard‑wired two things into me:

  • Mistakes have consequences.
  • Good systems keep people safe.

Now I bring that same mindset into your business: calm, precise, and quietly two steps ahead.

From Mental Health Act Admin to STERBAVA: Building a Clinical‑Grade Virtual Assistant Business

Before I founded STERBAVA, I worked as a Medical Secretary and Mental Health Act (1983, 2007) Compliance Administrator in mental health services.

My work wasn’t just typing letters. It involved:

  • Managing detention paperwork where a single error could mean an unlawful deprivation of liberty.
  • Organising Hospital Managers’ hearings, Tribunals, CPAs and clinical reviews with tight legal timescales.
  • Handling highly sensitive patient information under regular CQC scrutiny.

Alongside that, I created detailed induction handbooks and training materials for new staff. Those manuals were later adopted by over 80 hospitals and services across England and Wales, helping teams stay compliant and reducing clinical incidents.

All of this hard‑wired two things into me:

  • Mistakes have consequences.
  • Good systems keep people safe.

Now I bring that same mindset into your business: calm, precise, and quietly two steps ahead.


The Mental Health Act 1983 (amended 2007, 2025) is the law that allows people to be detained and treated for their mental health when there are serious risks to them or others. It exists to protect people’s rights while making sure they still get the care they need.

The Mental Health Act doesn’t work in isolation – it sits inside a wider framework of laws. In real life, that meant constantly balancing:

  • Mental Capacity Act 2005 – how decisions are made when someone may lack capacity, and making sure care is in their best interests
  • Human Rights Act 1998 – rights to liberty, privacy and family life, and making sure any detention is lawful, necessary and proportionate
  • Care Act 2014 and Children Acts – safeguarding, assessments and support in the community and for young people
  • Equality Act 2010 – protecting people from discrimination, including because of a mental health condition
  • Data Protection Act 2018 – how highly sensitive patient information is handled, stored and shared

If that all sounds a bit “too legal”, here’s the simple way to remember it:

Mental Health Act → detention and treatment for mental disorder when there is risk
Mental Capacity Act → decision‑making and capacity: who can decide, and how
Care/Children Acts → support, safeguarding and life beyond hospital
Equality/Data laws → fairness, confidentiality and information handling
Human Rights Act → rights and safeguards that must wrap around everything

My role was to make all of that work smoothly for real people, on tight timeframes, with nothing falling through the gaps. That’s the same structured thinking and quiet “safety‑net” admin I now apply to your practice, projects and operations.

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What I care about

A few principles that guide how I work:

  • Confidentiality first – I treat your information with the same care I used for patient records and legal documents.
  • Clarity over jargon – You’ll always know what I’m doing and why, without having to learn new systems “just because”.
  • Partnership, not pedestal – You’re the expert in your business. I’m here to make that expertise easier to deliver.
  • Calm by design – Good admin should make your days feel lighter, not more complicated.

These are the kinds of relationships I build:

  • long‑term,
  • steady and
  • based on trust.

What I care about

A few principles that guide how I work:

  • Confidentiality first – I treat your information with the same care I used for patient records and legal documents.
  • Clarity over jargon – You’ll always know what I’m doing and why, without having to learn new systems “just because”.
  • Partnership, not pedestal – You’re the expert in your business. I’m here to make that expertise easier to deliver.
  • Calm by design – Good admin should make your days feel lighter, not more complicated.

These are the kinds of relationships I build:

  • long‑term,
  • steady and
  • based on trust.

If you’re going to put your inbox, diary and client information in someone else’s hands, you need to know what they stand for. These are the principles that underpin STERBAVA.

Professionalism

You should always feel confident putting my name in front of your clients and colleagues. I’m punctual, prepared and respectful of your time – and I represent your business as carefully as my own.

Precision

Details matter. I came from a world where one wrong date on Mental Health Act paperwork could have legal consequences. I check the fine print, keep records tidy and build systems that don’t rely on memory.

Integrity

You’re trusting me with your business, your reputation and often very sensitive information. I’m honest about what I can do, clear about boundaries, and I treat your data with the same care I gave to patient records.

Calm

Chaos doesn’t help anyone think clearly. My job is to bring a steady, grounded presence to your admin—smoothing spikes, absorbing noise and giving you space to make good decisions.

Communication

You should never be wondering “What’s happening with that?”. I keep you in the loop with short, clear updates, ask questions when something isn’t clear and make sure we’re always on the same page.

Initiative

I don’t sit and wait for instructions. If I spot a clash, a missing step or a smarter way of doing something, I’ll flag it and suggest a fix. You still decide; I make it easier by scouting the options.

I’m the right fit if you:

  • Run a clinical, therapeutic or care‑adjacent service where admin and risk are tightly linked – for example consultants, therapy practices, private clinics or care providers.
  • Juggle hearings, reviews, reports, supervision, supervision notes or board‑level responsibilities and need someone who already understands how serious timelines, documentation and confidentiality are.
  • Want a calm, organised partner who will quietly spot clashes, gaps and risks in the background, not just “do what’s on the list”.
  • Prefer clear, direct communication, tidy systems and documents you can actually reuse – not more noise or complexity.

I also happily support other small business owners outside healthcare with inbox and diary management, systems, documents and design‑adjacent tasks. If you value clarity, discretion and well‑built back‑office foundations, we’ll work well together – whatever your industry.​

Clients describe me as organised, clear and unflappable.

In practice, that looks like:

  • Your inbox being triaged so you only see what truly needs you.
  • Your diary arranged in a way that protects focus time, not just crams in meetings.
  • Your documents, forms and spreadsheets set up so you can actually find and reuse them.
  • Your operations running in the background without you constantly checking or chasing.

I don’t wait to be told every step. If I see a clash, a missing piece or a better way of doing something, I’ll flag it and suggest a fix. You still make the decisions; I make them easier and safer to take.

You probably noticed a squirrel in my logo and in some of my photos.
That’s intentional.

The squirrel is a reminder that good admin isn’t flashy.
It’s steady, reliable and quietly protective.

In my spare time, I build trust with wild squirrels. It takes patience, calm consistency and a real respect for boundaries. You can’t rush it, and you can’t fake it. They only come close when they feel safe.

That’s how I see my work with clients, too.

  • I scout
    I look ahead for risks and bottlenecks—diary clashes, missing information, deadline risks, compliance gaps.
  • I secure
    I organise your inbox, files and workflows so everything is where you need it, when you need it. You know what’s happening, and nothing important slips through.
"Tom demonstrates a patient-centred approach at all times... He is approachable, knowledgeable, and caring in manner and works to a high standard. He is a pleasure to work with and an asset to the organisation."
Associate Hospital Manager Panel Member (Mental Health Act 1983)Anne
"Thank you for being so clear and helpful with all your organisation of everything – we work with many different hospitals, none of them manage things as well as you seem to. It is much appreciated!"
Senior practitioner/Occupational therapistNicky
"Thank you so much ... and really really helpful and clear email. The communication from yourself is always so organised and clear. It really does help in coordinating our diaries and making sure that we can link in with you. Thank you for all your help. I really do appreciate it!"
Repatriation Coordinator Individual Patient Placement Team (NHS)Helen
"Faultless communication. In particular, Tom provided excellent communication around meetings, incidents, and patient updates."
Clinical Compliance Manager (NHS)Andrea
"I have worked with Tom for about 3 years and have always found him to be efficient, respectful, and professional. His written communication is always clear, concise, and timely."
Social Worker, Associate Hospital Manager Panel Member (Mental Health Act 1983)Norma
"Tom excels with his exceptional organisational skills and IT acumen. He consistently stays on top of tasks and ensures that doctors remain on track with their responsibilities."
Associate Specialist in Psychiatry, Mental Health SpecialistDr Khalil
"Tom is personable, experienced and knowledgeable in his field... He listens carefully to the project requirements and is open to ideas and needs of the client."
Project CollaboratorJennifer
"Tom was excellent at coordinating CTRs and the six-monthly ICB Quality visits. He is the first point of contact and handles it professionally."
Integrated Care Board (NHS)Tanya
"Tom is an excellent Mental Health Act (1983, 2007) Compliance administrator. His attention to detail in preparation for hearings, during the actual hearing, and in completing paperwork after, is exemplary in each case."
Associate Hospital Manager Panel Member (Mental Health Act 1983)Richard
"Tom is very good at notifying everyone of any changes to dates or times. His communication is very thorough, and clinical issues or updates on risks are always reported quickly."
Care Coordinator (NHS)Nicola
"I have had the pleasure of working alongside Tom in an inpatient rehabilitation hospital. I can confidently state that Tom was an invaluable member of the team. He consistently demonstrated exceptional efficiency in managing administrative responsibilities, ensuring that processes ran smoothly and that patients received the highest standard of care and support. Highly organised and dependable, he thrived in a fast-paced environment and could always be relied upon to deliver. What sets him apart was his creativity and problem-solving ability. He approached challenges with an innovative mindset, often identifying practical solutions that improved workflows and overall service delivery. His strong work ethic was evident in everything he did, and he consistently advocated for best practices, always keeping patient wellbeing at the centre of his decisions. His willingness to go above and beyond made a lasting impact on the entire team. He was always ready to offer support wherever it was needed, even at personal inconvenience, fostering a collaborative and positive working environment. Professional, proactive, and genuinely dedicated, Tom not only excelled in his role but also positively impacted those around him. I would highly recommend him to any organisation seeking a committed, innovative, and compassionate professional."
Consultant Chartered Clinical PsychologistDr Farheen
"I had the pleasure of working with Tom, and he is a person of outstanding character and high moral values. Tom never leaves a task unfinished and always puts his all into everything he does. What really sets Tom apart is his exceptional ability to connect with and help others. I appreciated his patient approach and his willingness to take the time to explain things when I didn’t quite understand. His dedication to helping others achieve their goals is remarkable, and he goes above and beyond to provide support whenever needed. Tom is an excellent communicator who shares his ideas clearly and helps create a positive, collaborative work environment. His work ethic, integrity, and compassion make him an exceptional professional, and I would recommend him to anyone seeking a dedicated and trustworthy partner."
Former ColleagueKaren
"He is incredibly dedicated to his work, and his approach is methodical and organised."
Former ColleagueMichelle

If you’re reading this page, you’re probably already thinking, “I can’t keep doing all of this myself.”

The next step is simple:

  • Tell me what’s causing you the most stress right now—your inbox, your diary, your documents, or something else.
  • I’ll suggest a straightforward way to start, either ad‑hoc or with a small retainer so you can feel the difference without a huge commitment.

I support clients in both the UK and the Czech Republic, applying equivalent standards of confidentiality and data protection in each country.


Professional Registrations/Licenses

  • Insured with PolicyBee for public liability and professional indemnity.
  • Committed to safeguarding your data hence registered with ICO under UK GDPR.
  • Avast BreachGuard - I ensure your data stays private and secure from online threats and data breaches.

Memberships

  • FreeAgent, Monitored by HMRC for Money Laundering Regulations.

Other Licences

  • Canva
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Premiere Pro
  • MS Office 

Legal Information (UK)

Your Questions Answered

What is STERBAVA and how do you work?

STERBAVA is a clinical-grade virtual assistant service that works remotely to manage admin, operations, and related support so clients can focus on delivery, decisions, and growth. The service is built around secure, professional handling of inboxes, diaries, systems, patient or client admin, and operational tasks.

Who is STERBAVA for?

I work with clinicians and therapists, solopreneurs, small business owners, and SME directors who need trusted, professional support behind the scenes. If you’re overwhelmed by admin, constantly interrupted, or simply tired of trying to hold everything together yourself, I’m here to take some of that weight off.

What makes STERBAVA different from a general VA?

STERBAVA is built around calm, capable, clinical-grade support. My background in Medical Secretary work and Mental Health Act compliance means I bring a high level of confidentiality, structure, and professional care to the way I work.

I’m not in healthcare — can I still work with you?

Yes. While my background is rooted in healthcare and compliance, I also support small business owners and directors who want a reliable, discreet, and well-organised right hand.

What can you help me with?

I provide remote support with admin, operations, coordination, inbox and diary management, scheduling, research, data entry, and selected business or creative tasks depending on what you need. The aim is always the same: to reduce the noise, improve the flow of your work, and free you up to focus on the parts only you can do.

How much do you charge?

My standard specialist rate is £35 per hour. That reflects the level of care, professionalism, and specialist experience I bring to the work.

Do you offer one-off help or ongoing support?

Both. You can bring me in for a focused project, ad-hoc support, or ongoing help that fits the way you actually work.

Can I choose which services I use my hours for?

Yes. Your hours can be used flexibly across my service areas, as long as the work fits within my scope and capacity. We’ll agree priorities up front so you know what will be covered.

Why not just hire an employee?

For many clients, working with a virtual assistant is a more flexible and cost-effective option because you only pay for productive hours. It can also remove the added costs and commitments that come with employment, such as NI, pension, equipment, and other overheads.

How do we get started?

We begin with an email conversation about what’s going on, what support you need, and whether I’m the right fit. If it feels promising, we book a complimentary 30-minute discovery call and take it from there.

What if I’m not sure what to delegate yet?

That’s completely fine. A lot of clients come to me knowing they need help, but not yet knowing exactly what that help should look like, and we can work that out together.

When does work start?

For new clients, work starts once we’ve agreed the scope, signed the Client Agreement and, where relevant, received the first invoice payment. For ongoing clients, work continues within the agreed monthly hours.

How will we communicate?

Day to day, we usually work by email so everything is clear and there is a written record to refer back to. For your discovery call and occasional check-ins, we can meet on Zoom or Teams.

Will I need to change all my systems?

No — not unless there is a very good reason to. I aim to work in a way that supports your business and reduces stress, not one that creates extra complexity for the sake of it.

Which legal terms apply if I’m in the UK or the Czech Republic?

Clients based in either the UK or the Czech Republic work under local terms. You’ll receive a country‑specific Terms of Business, Booking Form and Data Processing Agreement so that our paperwork aligns with your local legal requirements and court system.

Do you work remotely?

Yes — STERBAVA is a remote service. That means I support you virtually using email, video calls, and the tools needed to keep things moving smoothly.

Where are your clients based?

I primarily work with clients in the UK and the Czech Republic. I’m also happy to discuss other time zones if it feels like the right fit.

Do you handle sensitive or confidential work?

Yes. Confidentiality is a core part of how I work, and I treat your information with the same care and discretion that would be expected in more sensitive professional settings.

Do you use contracts and clear terms?

Yes — I provide clear business terms, a contract, and agreed expectations before work begins. That way, both of us know exactly what is being delivered, how we’ll work together, and what to expect.

What if something doesn’t go as planned?

If something feels off or isn’t working for you, email me as soon as you can. I’ll review what’s happened, correct any issues within my control, and adjust our process so it doesn’t repeat.

What if we realise we’re not the right fit?

That can happen, and it’s okay. If either of us feels the match isn’t quite right, we’ll wrap up any agreed work, follow the notice terms in the Client Agreement, and part on good terms.