NHS Lanarkshire’s primary care out of hours’ service has enhanced their team with the addition of new recruits ahead of winter.
Dr Mike Coates, NHS Lanarkshire out of hours’ clinical director is delighted to welcome the new additions to his team over the past few months, including trainee roles and the out of hours’ first senior advanced nurse practitioner.
Mike said: “We are delighted to welcome these new recruits to our team as we head into a busy winter. We have a great collaborative way of working across our entire team. We take great pride in having a very supportive working environment and respect staff as our most valuable asset.
“We encourage learning and professional development and this is evidenced by some of the additions we have made to the team this year. I’m extremely grateful for the hard work and dedication displayed by our team and it’s a privilege to work with them.”
Gabriela Maxwell, NHS Lanarkshire out of hours’ senior advanced nurse practitioner, joined the team in July. Gabriella said: “I have experience of working in healthcare over the past twenty years both in the UK and Australia.
“This new role within the out of hours’ team is an exciting opportunity for me. My role spans across research, education and clinical practice and leadership.
“I support the delivery of clinical services. As well as delivering patient care, I support the medical and multi-disciplinary teams and the education of trainee staff. I really enjoy working with the multi-disciplinary team and we all work really well to ensure we deliver the best possible service for patients.”
One other position that has evolved is the paediatric nurse practitioner role which has proven vital due to the high number of under-16s who are seen by the service.
Leanne Ferguson, NHS Lanarkshire out of hours’ paediatric trainee nurse practitioner, said: “I’ve worked across various acute, secondary and tertiary services within paediatric care. My role involves a mixture of in-house training, learning from advanced nurse practitioner colleagues and my GP as clinical mentors with the aim of becoming a non-medical prescriber and an advanced clinical assessor.
“I have specialised knowledge around paediatric care so I aim to share that knowledge and experience with the rest of the team as we strive for excellence in delivering paediatric care.
“I feel extremely well supported and encouraged to advance my skills. I enjoy the learning opportunities from the in-house training and from my clinical mentors and nursing colleagues.”
Another new addition is Emma Currie, NHS Lanarkshire out of hours’ trainee advanced nurse practitioner. Emma added: “Before joining the out of hours’ team I was a trainee district nurse. I’m combining my work here with my trainee programme at Glasgow Caledonian University one day a week.
“I’m really enjoying working in the team here who are so welcoming and supportive. They have helped broaden my knowledge and develop my skills. I’m looking forward to graduating and becoming an advanced nurse practitioner.”
The Lanarkshire public are reminded to access the right care at the right place and ensure they have an adequate supply of prescription medication ahead of the upcoming festive holidays.
Mike added: “With GP practices being closed over the festive period, please plan ahead and ensure you order necessary medication in plenty of time and keep your medicine cabinet well-stocked.
“We understand that when someone has an illness or an ailment, they will want help as soon as possible. However, we would like to remind the public that the out of hours’ service is for those who are in urgent need of medical treatment but cannot wait until their GP practice opens.”
There are a number of options that people can turn to for healthcare with a range of help and advice on NHS Lanarkshire’s website including Meet the Experts which offers a range of services that local healthcare professionals across Lanarkshire can provide.
The NHS inform website also provides advice on self-care, while your local pharmacy is the first port of call for minor ailments. This can also help free up appointments for those who need them with our out of hours’ service.
