Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not your role if it is something that interests you
Tissue Viability is commonly seen as purely a Nursing role and often not understood by Therapists, and what better way to influence things than by getting involved
Name
Day job
Senior Physiotherapist (Team Leader) in Neuro Critical Care at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham
Current SoTV roles
Trustee, member of the Strategy working group, and Lead for the Associate Forum
Q1- When did you realise you wanted to specialise in tissue viability?
My clinical specialty for my Physiotherapy career is Neuro Critical Care, but I have developed an interest in skin care/tissue viability over time.
Q2 – Can you briefly describe your journey to your current role?
About 12 years ago (it might be longer than that!), our Therapy managers were seeking a therapy representative at the Trust Pressure Ulcer Steering Group. No one from Physiotherapy was forthcoming, but I saw an opportunity to improve my knowledge of pressure ulcers and understand what role therapy can play in this aspect of patient care.
Tissue viability is commonly seen as purely a nursing role and is often not understood by therapists and what better way to influence things than by getting involved? I have had the privilege of working alongside some incredibly motivated and passionate Tissue Viability Nurses and I have to thank my fellow Trustee, Jo Swan for the support, collaborative work and opportunities that have developed over the years.
I have been lucky enough to be involved in the NHS Improvement Project for Pressure Ulcer Prevention and continued my therapy representation and collaborative work with the TV team which brought up the opportunity to submit my application to become a co-opted Trustee to gain more insight and knowledge into the workings of the Society. I was pleased and excited to be an AHP on the Board of Trustees for the SoTV. I have been incredibly well supported and have made the transition from co-opted Trustee to Trustee.
Q3 – What do you feel has been your greatest achievement in your career to date?
Becoming a Trustee for the SoTV and successfully completing 2 Masters Modules in Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Management, and Wound Care Theory and Practice. I hope to complete a 3rd module this year to gain a PGCert.
Q4 – If you could give your younger self some valuable advice, what would it be?
Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not your role if it is something that interests you, or that you can’t do something because it’s never been done before.
