The Trustees
Pam Kirby
Lead Nurse, Vascular/ Tissue Viability Team.
King's Mill Hospital, Sherwood Forest Hospitals
Since qualifying in 1977 I have worked in a variety of settings including A&E, general surgery, dermatology and urology including a role as Ward Leader until becoming vascular nurse specialist at this trust in 1995.
Having always had an interest in wound care I chose to focus on patients with leg ulcers, as this was where I felt I would make the most impact. Vascular patients require good pressure relief, which led to my interest in that subject. I soon became viewed as the "expert" and gradually assumed the role of Tissue Viability Nurse throughout the Trust. This involved more and more work combining my regular clinics and ward rounds with individual patient advice on wound care, pressure area care, and mattress audits.
I now lead a team comprising 2 tissue viability nurses and a vascular outreach nurse as well as me. My role involves running a nurse-led leg ulcer /wound care clinic, vascular ward rounds and clinic, diabetic foot clinic, writing guidelines and formularies, and teaching on these subjects on various post-graduate courses run by Nottingham University.
Since becoming part of the "Leg Club" team I have met a professional set of nurses who are equally as enthusiastic and loyal to their patients as I feel. I admire their selfless determination to improve the lives of the members and to ensure they are at the heart of the aims of each club.
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