Trained over 40 years ago, beginning with Ophthalmic training at Birmingham and Midland Eye Hospital, I then went on to do my Registered General Nurse training at East Birmingham School of Nursing. During my training I experienced many nursing disciplines, including a tropical disease ward where I helped nurse the first known patient in the UK with Typhoid. But the buzz of the tropical disease unit, or my surgical placement, ITU or theatres could not outdo the joy I found in my geriatric placement.

When I qualified, I went straight to working as a staff nurse in our geriatric hospital at a time when elderly care was a valued discipline in the NHS. The late 80 and early 90s saw a change in regulation and elderly care became the domain of private registered companies. Some of these were great, others just awful.

Over my career I have worked with large and small organisations as a nurse, unit lead, registered manager and a regional manager. I even had a stint as a carer when my registration lapsed. Quality Improvement was my goal wherever I worked, and I was involved in projects to bring improved outcomes to many of the homes I worked in. Due to my interest in quality care, I found a role within NHS commissioning and was appointed as a quality monitoring officer for the fourth largest CCG in England.

Our team of 3 were responsible for inspecting 44 nursing homes working closely with CQC, Local Authority, safeguarding, pharmacy and GP hubs, where I gained a valuable insight into the multi-disciplinary aspect of social care regulations. During this time I was seconded onto the board of ‘Think Kidneys’ to develop hydration education resources with the input of local care homes.

I am a mum of four daughters, and as they have flown the nest, grandchildren have been added to the fold. With the growth of my family and the flexibility needed to enjoy these young ones, I took the plunge to become self-employed. In 2021 I enquired about a newly launched franchise and bought the right to become the point of contact for work with Care Improvement Associates in Birmingham, Coventry, and Solihull. This franchise came to an end in June 2023 and I am now a fully independent Care Quality Consultant.

As well as paid work, I also volunteer as an employability mentor with the Prince’s Trust and am an ambassador for the National Association of Care Workers. I have spoken at the NEC for the ‘Care Show’ and ‘UK Care Week’ and written informal articles for various organisations.

I remain a registered nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and remain passionate about promoting best quality care for any client who receives a CQC registered service. I have an easy going and empathetic leadership style, coming alongside managers and staff for support and improvement. I have been where they are, I have been ‘on the other side’, I know how to combine all my experiences to get the best for your service.

With all these aspects of my involvement in care, my colleagues affectionately call me the Mary Poppins of Social Care – so go ahead, get in touch and ask me what’s in my bag!