Our colleagues had a fabulous day receiving their awards from Huddersfield University.

Here they are - left to right - alongside their achievements.

• Teresa Hewison - Masters’ Advanced Clinical Practice
• Janet - Doctor of Nursing
• Sarah Szlachcic- Masters’ Advanced Clinical Practice
• Will Lake - Post Graduate Certificate Acute Care
• Helen Falconio -Masters’ Advanced Clinical practice Will Lake-Post Graduate Certificate Acute Care

Helen told us: "It was an honour and a privilege to be able to go to Uni and study a Masters in Advanced nursing. I am grateful to the Trust for supporting me whilst doing this, and feel proud of my achievements."

Janet gained a Doctor of Nursing for a programme of work entitled “Exploring the Knowledge and Skills of Emergency Department Advanced Clinical Practitioners who see and treat children presenting with Self-Harm”. It took seven years to complete. 

Janet, added: "I am grateful for all those who participated in the study and helped me along the way. I am immensely proud of what I’ve finally produced,  and intend to use it to improve the quality of emergency care for this vulnerable group of young people who self-harm."

We asked Janet to tell us more about her doctorate 

What did you get your doctorate in and what does it mean for you?

I am now a "Doctor of Nursing for a programme of work entitled “ Exploring the Knowledge and Skills of Emergency Department Advanced Clinical Practitioners who See and Treat Children presenting with Self-Harm”.

Having identified a gap in the literature, and established a significant lack of preparation for health professionals to care for young people who self-harm, I conducted a research study to explore the knowledge and skills used in practice. The analysis resulted in the identification of two major themes: 'Engagement' (of young people) and 'Risk assessment' both of which are considered within the context of  five further themes: Physical Assessment; Emotional Assessment; Safeguarding; Suicide Risk and Consideration of Professional Issues.

I am now in the process of submitting this work for publication, and intend it to influence the curriculum, and establish competencies for Emergency Department clinicians who see this vulnerable group of children. I remain as passionate about wanting to improve the care for young people who self-harm today, as I did when I started this study. We must always remember that children who are hurting, sometimes display hurtful behaviour. Therefore they can be very challenging to care for, so having appropriate educational preparation is essential.

How long did it take to do and how did CHFT support you?

It took seven years part-time. The university funding was provided by Health Education Yorkshire and Humber, and I was given study leave when needed by CHFT. This is definitely not for the faint-hearted.  There were times, certainly during the latter stages of this study, when I felt I was seriously losing the plot. My CHFT friends and colleagues were extremely tolerant of my 'scatter brain' as a result of just having too many tabs open, and compassionate on the occasions when I just needed to cry!  Hopefully, now it is completed, I can repay some of that kindness and be a better version of myself at work.

How will it help to provide better care for patients? 

The results will provide a framework for facilitating a clinical consultation with young people who self-harm. It won't solve the wider problems of access to specialist services or mental health in-patient facilities, but it will enable a structured approach to their Emergency Care assessment.

Your highlights of completing the doctorate… 

Starting the study was very exciting, if a little nerve-racking, but I was fortunate to be able to maintain the enthusiasm for my topic throughout.  The taught modules helped me challenge my own thinking and beliefs - resulting in a very different  methodological approach to my intended one.   I have also met many people through this work who have really inspired me - the team at the Centre for Suicide Prevention at Manchester University were amazing. Interviewing ACPs across the Country was a particular highlight- without them there would be no study. Certainly the pride of graduating made it all worthwhile.

Best bits of working at CHFT?

Definitely the people. The team spirit at CHFT is like no other.

Given the time of year and pressures we’re under in A&E what advice would you give staff on getting through the winter?

There are certainly going to be challenges over the coming months. The winter phenomenon is now a year-round reality. From speaking to colleagues across the UK, we are certainly in a better position than many. Though this is of little consolation when our department is unable to give the quality of care we want our patients to have in a timely way. For us to thrive and deliver the best care we possibly can, we need to remember to be kind to each other (easy to forget when we are stressed); stay hydrated and fed; try to rest and play when off duty, to give some life balance; and look out for each other. (Oh, and make sure you have your flu jab). Working in Emergency Care will never be easy, but working together can definitely make it the most rewarding job in the world.