British Geriatrics Society

Leaving university at 22, my only aim was to be paid well and I planned to achieve this by training as a Chartered Accountant. My aim was met, but over the years, I found the work as an auditor unsatisfying. A career break to care for my three young children resulted in me deciding to train as a nurse. My first staff nurse job was on a healthcare of the older person ward. The ward had a high proportion of patients with dementia. I had received no training on how to care for these patients’ complex needs during my nursing diploma and none was offered post-qualification. 

Leadership has played a pivotal role in setting out my main priorities as vice-chair of the BGS Nurses and AHP council. My goal has been delivering high- quality person centred care for the older population. Nursing leadership is most successful when the entire team is also successful. To achieve this, I have a key role in influencing and engaging all members of the healthcare team to drive and improve healthcare for older adults.