After three years of training, Ophthalmology's Jonathan Drury has become the department's first qualified Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP). 

Jonathan Drury, who originally trained and qualified as an Orthoptist (AHP), joined the Trust three years ago as a trainee ACP. For the last three years, he has been studying at Huddersfield University and he has just received his final results, passing with Merit.

Advanced clinical practitioners (ACPs) come from a range of professional backgrounds such as nursing, pharmacy, paramedics and occupational therapy. They are healthcare professionals educated to Master’s level, with the skills and knowledge to allow them to expand their scope of practice to better meet the needs of the people they care for.

On qualifying, Jonathan said: “Starting out as a trainee working in Ambulatory and Same Day Emergency Care was a real shock to the system before settling into my role in Ophthalmology.  I am grateful for all the training and support I have received and I am proud to be the first Ophthalmic ACP in the Trust.”

Consultant Ophthalmologist, Karnesh Patel, who is pictured (left) with Jonathan, said: "I am extremely proud of Jonathan. He has had to do a large volume of work over the last three years, as he has simultaneously been required to achieve Ophthalmic Practitioner Training (OPT) training competencies from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists as well as his MSc work.

"Having Jonathan means that he can provide services he is now capable of doing that he could not do prior to ACP training. This frees up doctors from several sessions in the week. 

"Jonathan can help cover our Eye Casualty, triage referrals, and assist in Medical Retina and Glaucoma clinics. Due to his grade, he can also help support managerial colleagues in the Department if required. ACPs are still relatively novel within Ophthalmology across England, and there is a lot of scope for future expansion as Trusts work to improve patient care.

"I have overseen Jonathan’s training on a weekly basis and I am sure he will do great things."

Natalka Drapan, General Manager for Eye Care Services, added: “The last three years of hard work and determination is clearly shown in his excellent result. This is a very exciting time for the department as this sees our first qualified ACP in post and we are eager to see what Jonathan can bring both clinically and managerially to support the department. Congratulations, Jonathan."