I have been a qualified RGN for 39 years with over 30 years experience in Colorectal and stoma care nursing. I was first appointed as a Stoma Care CNS in 1990 and gradually helped develop the role to include the provision of Cancer Care. Since 2008, I was the Team Leader for the current service here at UHB NHS FT, 1 of the largest teaching hospitals in the UK. Until recently, I led the team and service development within the Trust to provide quality care for patients undergoing treatments for a wide range of colorectal conditions. This includes stoma care, cancer care, IBD and pelvic floor services. After 15 years as Team Leader, I retired and returned to the team, now working part time within the clinical arena.
I was the Chair of the Association of Stoma Care Nurses UK (ASCN UK) from 2017-2021 helping to drive the development of the Association to provide resources and educational materials for nursing staff working within stoma care. This has included clinical guidelines, competencies , PLACED skin care guideline and representation with key stakeholders. I remain an active member and continue to support the Association on various projects including skin care and the development of convexity guidelines.
In 2023, I wrote for and co edited a stoma care textbook for clinical staff working within the field of stoma care alongside Angie Perrin, current Vice Chair of ASCN UK. This is the first comprehensive textbook for stoma care in the UK for a number of years. I have also written for nursing journals on a variety of topics to educate nurses within this field and support their education.
I enjoy presenting at conference and have shared my wide experience both nationally and internationally on stoma care topics including trauma, necrotising fasciitis, liver disease and research to name a few. I was awarded British Journal of Nursing Stoma Care Nurse of the Year award in 2022. At the ASCN UK Conference 2023 I was honoured and delighted to receive the Chairpersons Award with Angie Perrin.