Jilly Goodfellow is a nurse practitioner for colposcopy and gynaecology and the Royal Victoria Infirmary and is also a sister in the hospital’s Women’s Health Unit.
Jilly is one half Newcastle’s infamous ‘cervix sisters’. We meet her in episode six where – alongside her colleague Jill Fozzard – raise awareness of the importance of cervical screening.
What made you get into this area of work?
One of my last student nurse placements in the late 1980’s was working on the gynaecology ward at the RVI – which was the old ward 11 – long since knocked down and a new multi storey car park is in its place.
I absolutely loved this placement, the sister on the ward then was such a role model. Her name was (and still is) Jane Wren, she works as a staff nurse in my unit two days a week (she started her nurse training in the mid 1960’s so I am sure you can work out her age).
To me Jane epitomises what a nurse should be in any setting not just gynaecology – Jane radiates warmth, she is genuinely caring and compassionate, she is the ultimate role model for a nursing, she was the reason I pursued a career in gynaecology.
What is your favourite part of your work?
The favourite part of my work is meeting such a vast array of folk every day – I love having a natter with everyone and finding out a wee bit about each of my patients.
The patients attending for a colposcopy appointment are usually very anxious and worried, we are acutely aware the examination is an intimate one, but we are able to put the patients at ease and allay their fears and anxieties by careful explanation beforehand then carrying out a gentle, unhurried examination ensuring the patient feels in control.
I love my nurse practitioner role, but it helps greatly that I work with two of my best friends who also happen to be colposcopists – nurse practitioner Jill Fozzard and consultant gynaecologist Dr Michelle Russell.
What would you say to someone who is interested in progressing a similar career?
If someone was interested in a career in gynaecology I would say, like any career, you need to be resilient, be passionate about what you do and always involve the whole team, as everyone has a role to play. Try to see the positive in everything you do – if you have a “can do ” attitude you can’t go wrong. Oh……..and…….. always wear comfortable shoes at work as you will be on your feet A LOT.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time I am the Church Warden of the wee church in the village I live in, plus I am an Authorised Lay Minister with the Church of England which is certainly more that giving out hymn books and ringing the bell on a Sunday.
I love anything crafty and currently I am learning create stained glass art.
How was the filming?
The film crew were brilliant in keeping us calm and eventually you really did forget they were there.
How to you feel about being part of the series?
The main message from the filming was to convey the point that cervical screening really does save lives if you attend for screening and colposcopy examination/treatment if needed.
Cervical screening attendance is at an all-time low and we really want to encourage patients to attend.
