I have worked in the stoma care environment since 2004. My ethos is to support the generations of specialist nurses moving into the profession and those that are already established. I believe in elevating the specialist role and underpinning this with research and evidence-based knowledge. Demonstrating authority and value to our role, will not only benefit those with a stoma but increase the knowledge of those on the wider periphery making life changing decisions on behalf of those patients.

I believe in raising our voices in a way that has gravitas and expert opinion behind it. My passion for stoma care is evident; being a committee member of our National professional body, the ASCN UK, strengthens that voice and enables me to support the further development of educational offerings.

During my 8 years in my current role as lead nurse at the Royal Devon University HospitaI (RDUH), I have enhanced the educational offering in facilitating both internal and external study days, including the development of an annual stoma teaching programme for the F2’s across the South West Peninsular. My commitment to raise the awareness and profile of stoma care includes ensuring all members of the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), including medical students, dietitians, Tissue Viability Nurses (TVNs), Physios and members of the Health and Wellbeing team have 1-1 time with the stoma team including attending ward-based care.

As Co-lead of the bi-annual South West SCN nursing forum, co-ordinating a researched based educational agenda has been instrumental in providing an environment to learn, share and provide peer support. Presenting at WCET and ASCN UK events has been an important platform to share best practice, as well as facilitating team members to submit abstracts and gain confidence in presenting.

My roles in research include Associate Principle Investigator (API) for the UK cohort study to investigate the prevention of parastomal hernia (CIPHER), which included recruitment within the trust and presenting at roadshows across the country showcasing new research within the Colorectal sphere. The SUN study supported a new product development and being Principle Investigator (PI) for the PROPHER study (Patient Reported Outcomes after Parastomal Hernia Treatment) recently led me to presenting to the NIHR.

Being an integral member of the ASCN UK committee enables me to be part of the bigger picture within the stoma care environment and assist in establishing positive change within the profession.

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