I attended the Healthcare Academy around 8 years ago now and I can still remember my experiences today.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Academy – it was very hands on, practical learning with mannequins and equipment which made it so much more enjoyable.
The part that really stands out for me was being shown how to correctly carry out a bed bath for a patient – this really emphasised the importance of hygiene to prevent infections.
After working as a healthcare assistant in the Ophthalmology Department I went to Northumbria University to do my BSc Adult Nursing degree.
I qualified as a staff nurse in 2019 and worked in the Urology Department at the Freeman Hospital.
I am now a Harm Free Care Nurse Specialist within the Specialist Continence Service, specialising in the prevention of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) and Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI).
A big aspect of my role is staff education and support.
Hygiene is a major factor in the prevention of infection, particularly UTIs/CAUTIs. Physical demonstration of what good hygiene practice looks like is fundamental at teaching sessions.
I now regularly teach newly appointed Healthcare Support Workers at the Healthcare Academy.
I always enjoy the sessions – in my opinion there can never be too much ‘hands on’ practical learning.
#WeAreHCSWs
