Published on: 26 January 2018

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Pictured: East Lancashire Hospitals’ new Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Barbara Earnshaw

Eight experienced nurses at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT) are celebrating after graduating from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) with their Masters’ degrees in advanced clinical practice.

Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACP) are qualified, highly experienced nurses who, after gaining additional qualifications, can now perform extra clinical duties such as taking patient medical history, carrying out physical examinations, requesting investigations, and referring patients directly to other specialists where appropriate.

“We are incredibly proud of our Advanced Clinical Practitioners who are an inspiration to all nurses,” says ELHT Director of Nursing, Christine Pearson.

“By improving their skills and knowledge, Advanced Clinical Practitioners are improving the quality of care that we are able to provide to patients across East Lancashire, and their hard work is a credit to them.”

“We would also like to thank the University of Central Lancashire for continuing to support the development of our staff for the benefit of NHS patients.”

The Trust’s new Advanced Clinical Practitioners are Alexandra McKay (Accident and Emergency), Joanne Watson (Accident and Emergency - Paediatrics), Olga Byrne (Community Nursing), Stacey Brown (Paediatric Emergency Dept.), David Simpson (Gastroenterology), Barbara Earnshaw (Orthopaedics), Gillian Woods (Colorectal) and Fran Bamford (Virtual Ward).

ELHT’s latest Advanced Clinical Practitioners can also prescribe medicines and decide on, and carry out, their own patient treatment.

The Advanced Clinical Practitioners will continue treating patients at the Royal Blackburn Hospital, Burnley General Hospital and at NHS community facilities including St Peters Centre in Burnley and Accrington PALS.

“I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to complete my MSc in Advanced Practice whilst working within the Paediatric Emergency Department,” says Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Joanne Watson.

“Throughout the two years there have been many highs and lows, and I cannot thank enough all those individually who have played their part in assisting me in achieving this.”

“I do however want to thank Lynne Harrison (UCLAN) for her academic direction and guidance. A special thank you goes to my mentor Dr Georgina Robertson (Consultant in Emergency Medicine) as she has continually supported and encouraged me to ensure I have the necessary skills and knowledge required in preparation for this advanced role.”

Barbara Earnshaw, Advanced Clinical Practitioner, said: “Trauma & Orthopaedics has been my passion since starting work as a staff nurse on Ward B24 in 2012.  The Advanced Clinical Practitioner role has enabled me to extend my clinical skillset and knowledge base so that I am now able to provide continuity of care to my patients ensuring that they have the most appropriate, holistic, and patient-centred management and treatment throughout their healthcare journey.

“I currently work with patients and colleagues in Fracture and Upper Limb Clinics, on the wards, and in trauma & elective theatres.  I feel extremely fortunate to be able to undertake this role and greatly appreciate the support that the Trauma & Orthopaedic team has given me throughout my training, and since I have qualified.”  

This year’s eight graduates’ brings the total number of Advanced Clinical Practitioner graduates at East Lancashire Hospitals to 32.

Linda Whitfield, ELHT Associate Director of Education said: “Our congratulations to all the new Advanced Clinical Practitioners of whom we are very proud.

“For many years the Trust has encouraged the development of our experienced nurses to become Advanced Clinical Practitioners and our latest graduates are a source of great pride for East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.”