Tell us a little about you?
I qualified as a paediatric nurse in 2010 after studying at Canterbury Christ Church University. I started my first job on a very busy general children’s ward at King's College Hospital. I have cared for children with a variety of illnesses, including asthma, cystic fibrosis, cancer, broken bones, and many more.
After 4 years I moved to a short stay unit, where I was able to hone some of my assessment skills, especially with asthma. This is where I started to really become interested in caring for children and young people with asthma.
In my spare time I am a scout leader, and have been involved in scouts since I was 14 years old. I do this weekly and spend time at the weekends taking children and young people on trips and weekends away. I have done many things with the scouts, including kayaking, climbing, and sailing, and have worked at international camps.
I have a 19 month old daughter who keeps me on my toes when I am at home, and having her helps me understand the stresses and strains that normal life have on families, and how the cost implications of having children can have an impact.
How do you see the role?
As an asthma clinical nurse specialist I see my role as supporting and educating children, young people and their families about asthma, helping them get their asthma under control. However, it is not all just about asthma. The role includes helping families with other health and wellbeing needs, such as housing, emotional health, other health conditions like eczema, hay fever, and allergies.
Although my main focus is asthma, I think it is really important to help children and young people feel in control of every aspect of their life no matter what it is. I am there for them to talk to me about anything that is important to them at that time, whether it be an asthma problem or not.
What is your hope for the CYPHP programme?
The CYPHP programme is really interesting, and is tackling important issues in a unique way. I feel that it is already making a huge difference in the local community and I would like to see the programme make even more of a difference so that children, young people and their families are able to live their lives to the full.
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