I started working in primary care 17 years ago, and from the outset, I developed a keen interest in respiratory health. Having spent almost two decades caring for patients with lung disease, and educating other health care professionals in the management of these patients, I realise that there is a common theme intertwined with best care and good patient outcomes; that is, the education and training of our staff.
I am all too familiar with the ‘see one, do one’ approach that was historically adopted for nurses new to General Practice. We now recognise that this is not an effective way of learning, in fact, it can result in a lack of critical thinking, variation in practice and an increased risk of error. Nurses and HCPs working in primary care are under a significant amount of strain and pressure, at the moment, and need to be able to access education and training which is accessible, flexible, evidence-based and relevant.
In 2020 I had the vision for a training academy that would support the respiratory educational needs of nurses and other HCPs. Cue COVID-19; the world changed and everything halted! In 2021 I had my second child, a little boy to give my daughter the sibling she so desperately wanted. The academy took a back seat and the next few years were a bit of a ‘blur’. Fast forward to 2024, the sleepless nights are behind me and my interest is rekindled. I am ready to move forward with my vision which finally turned into a reality in March 2025.
My vision for the academy is: to improve the lives of patients with respiratory disease, by supporting the educational needs of nurses and HCPs working in primary care and the community. By doing this, I firmly believe we can improve on the variations in practice that result in patients receiving what has been termed a ‘post code lottery’ of care. I look forward to working with you on this journey and hope that, together, we can all make a difference.