A physiotherapist from the James Paget has showcased an innovative approach to helping patients recover after hip surgery to England’s most senior nurse.
Rene Gray, Professional Lead for Physiotherapy at the Paget, was one of four keynote speakers at a recent visit to the UEA-based Norfolk Initiative for Coastal and Rural Health Equalities (NICHE) by Chief Nursing Officer for England, Duncan Burton.
His presentation was focused on improving early mobilisation after femoral fracture surgery, a practice which is now nationally recognised as help improve patient outcomes.
The presenters were selected by NICHE as all have been awarded fellowships by the organisation as part of its Workforce Optimisation Workstream (Workstream 3) – and the Chief Nursing Officer’s visit provided an opportunity for the Fellows to share and showcase their embedded programmes of research and evaluation focussed on transforming care for people living in coastal and rural communities.
Mr Burton said: “It was great to meet NICHE fellows and hear how research and evaluation led by nurses and other healthcare professionals is improving the care provided in rural and coastal communities, reducing health inequalities and supporting people’s health and wellbeing.
“This excellent work demonstrates the importance of locally led innovation and leadership in improving the health of local communities and transforming care. Leadership from nurses and other healthcare professionals will be integral in implementing the government’s upcoming 10 Year Health Plan and driving improvements to deliver an NHS fit for the future.”
NICHE aims to co-create a healthy place to live and work across the Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care System (ICS) where all can grow and flourish. This ambition is underpinned by collaborative, place-based approaches to igniting innovation and improvement through embedded research, evaluation and learning focused on what matters to people within their local communities.
Its funded programmes of embedded research, evaluation, learning and development stretch across the Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care System (ICS) working with people, teams and communities in coastal, rural and isolated areas.
Dr Jonathan Webster, Professor of Practice Development and Co-Director of NICHE, said: “The work of our NICHE funded Fellows demonstrates what an immense impact their embedded research and evaluation is making across our coastal and rural communities in Norfolk and Waveney. Through their Fellowships they are consistently demonstrating the desire to make a positive difference by sharing new insights and understanding leading to better outcomes for people and communities. The national and international relevance of their embedded research and evaluation has provided new opportunities to forge collaborations opening up exciting opportunities for shared learning and future development. Today’s visit by the CNO for England has enabled them to share their amazing work!’
