In this section
Advanced Surgical Care Practitioner, Wythenshawe Hospital
On a typical day
I work within the pelvic floor team at and my time is divided between clinic and theatre. The majority of patients I see have faecal incontinence and we provide treatments that help them get their lives back to normal.
I assess them for different therapy options and then carry out treatment. This can include review of their medication, modifying their diet, behavioural therapy or pelvic floor retraining. I also offer Tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS), which is similar to a form of electrical acupuncture near the ankle as well as Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM). This is an implantable device that emits a pulse-like sensation to the sacral nerve. I implant this device in theatre. On another day I may be programming the device or trouble-shooting if patients’ symptoms have returned. We also have patients taking part in a national research trial so I could be recruiting onto the trial. I have 2 set days a week and the rest is very varied, depending on the needs of the patients.
One way I’ve made a difference as a nurse or midwife
I hope to make a difference to patients who travel from all over the North West.
Faecal incontinence is a debilitating condition that affects men and women, young and old in every aspect of their life. By implanting the SNM device and helping them to manage symptoms I hope to help them make a difference to their lives. Wythenshawe now has a completely nurse led service for SNM patients. After the initial Consultant appointment they see me for the rest of their treatment and support. I do all the follow up and programming of the device and we have now implemented a Health and Wellbeing event for patients.
What would you say to someone considering a career in nursing & midwifery?
Nursing gave me the chance to work in many different places throughout England and in areas including adult and children’s nursing, theatre, research and radiology. These experiences gave me the confidence to push boundaries and take on a role that is normally performed by a Consultant. I graduated with an MSc, which I would never have thought possible, and also won the Nursing Times award for continence. Nursing is a great career; it opens up many avenues and gives you the opportunity to work all over the world and meet so many people. It pulls at your heart strings but also makes you laugh. I wouldn’t have done anything else.
For more information about nursing and midwifery careers at MFT please visit https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/