Nurse

Kate's Story

Kate wanted to be a nurse from a very young age and was determined to make it happen. As a teenager she belonged to the St John’s Ambulance Brigade and later trained as a Registered General Nurse at the Royal London Hospital.

Afterwards she worked in gynaecology and midwifery (having qualified as a midwife) and also spent time in a hospital in Sydney, Australia.

She has since had a variety of roles, including as a nurse/adviser for pressure sore care, providing equipment to hospitals and nursing homes – which is how she was first introduced to our Canford homes.

In total, Kate has worked for us for over 12 years. Day to day, she oversees a unit, running shifts, supporting staff where necessary and working with a multi-disciplinary team of dieticians, continence specialists, tissue viability nurses and safeguarding teams. She also gives medication – she has an advanced understanding of medication and their interactions – and also dresses and heals different types of sores.

“Looking outside the box is vital for any nurse,” she says. “I couldn’t imagine doing anything outside care. If I can make residents’ experience better – more pain free and comfortable – then I have achieved something. And when I get even a small smile, I know that I’ve done the right thing. It really is worth it!”

Outside work Kate and husband Phil, a police officer, are busy parents to Jack (15), Bella (13) and nine-year-old Ruby. Kate runs a photography business, doing family portraits, weddings and other special occasions, and is also in training for the Brighton Marathon. She started running a year ago to support her brother who had cancer and now has two half marathons under her belt.