Congratulations to Advanced Paediatric Nurse Practitioners, Liz Clancy, Ian Melling and Jenny Taylor, who recently picked up their Long Service Awards together.
Between them they have an amazing 129 years of service in the NHS. We caught up with trio to find out more about their careers and trailblazing work to introduce the Advanced Paediatric Nurse Practitioner (APNP) programme in paediatrics in 2004.
Liz
I feel very fortunate to have enjoyed a long and varied nursing career which first began at Alder Hey in 1979. I have worked as Children's Nurse, General Nurse and Midwife, in both hospital and community, in the public and private sector, in the UK and overseas. I began my current role of APNP in 2004. We were based at HRI for 20 years, then moved as a team to the Children's Ward at CRH in June 2024. I enjoy the unpredictability and variety, the chance to make a difference and to make every contact count. The APNP role remains largely clinical, whilst blended with some leadership/management and education/research elements.
Time has brought significant changes to the default skill mix and working patterns. I recall at HRI back in 1983 there were only two consultant paediatricians, each covering both general paediatrics and neonates. The junior (now resident) doctor would be working from Friday to Monday without a break and there were only a handful of Registered Sick Children's Nurses to cover a 24/7 roster. Whilst maintaining optimum staffing is an ongoing challenge, the current workforce model is very different and intended to meet the volume, acuity and complexity of paediatric patients we now regularly care for.
Embracing the challenges of relocation and a new role has allowed me to continue to develop whilst sharing a legacy of experience across our amazing team.
I value most my time off spent with family and friends. I love holidays, including 'staycations', when I am found crafting, baking, jam-making and in the garden (my happy place).
Ian
I’m wondering where 22 years has gone! Previously I had been a Staff Nurse and Children’s Nurse on the Children’s Ward at CRH. The APNP role was new to the Trust and was introduced to support the reconfiguration of paediatric services and it was innovative and forward thinking. Having to work full time whilst studying for my Master’s degree as part of the training was challenging but ultimately rewarding.
Liz, Jenny and I were three of the first four trainee APNPs to undertake the training. As Liz mentioned, our main base for 20 years was HRI covering the ward and ED. The work was challenging but rewarding, with many happy times.
I’m coming to the end of my career, and reflecting on the role, I would say it’s been challenging, rewarding and a brilliant job. I hope I have been a positive role model for future colleagues wanting to undertake the role.
Out of work I spend time with my partner and my family, enjoy going to concerts, and follow my beloved Liverpool FC!
Jenny
After specialising in children's nursing in 1992, I have always worked for CHFT Team Paediatrics. I can even remember my interview for the APNP role. It included a scenario involving an alien landing on the ward!
Since then our role has always been challenging, expanded and changed. What has always been great is working as part of a team - to share laughter, tears, sometimes conflict and often a curry!
Now based at CRH on Children's Ward 3 and SDEC, this is a busy service, and we work autonomously but alongside the medical team assessing, diagnosing, treating, including prescribing, and hopefully discharging children and young people. We have worked together with the Paediatricians for many years and share a mutual respect, support and sense of humour when needed!
We are involved in the ongoing development of the SDEC and hope to be part of the team managing this area following reconfiguration. I remember setting up the first paediatric assessment unit on old ward 18 at HRI, so it’s an exciting time.
When I'm not working, I love Grannie duties with my two granddaughters. We are also renovating our new home which is exciting and has a lovely view, which I hope to relax in sometime!