Rachel Marsh
Acting Deputy Ward Manager
I qualified in 2010 after studying for 3 years at Keele University. I briefly worked in Neurosurgery before moving to Neurology, where I have been for the past 8 years.
I have had a number of secondments during this time. I have been a Clinical Band 6 and have recently secured a secondment as Deputy Ward Manager. My current role has allowed me to improve my leadership and management skills and I work closely with the Ward Manager to ensure that the ward runs smoothly.
Neurology offers great opportunities and staff receive training sessions in MS, Creutzfeldt - Jakob disease, Parkinson’s Disease and other very specialised conditions from the Nurse Specialists. Our education programme ensures that all our staff are skilled and knowledgeable and are able to care for patients with such specialised needs.
I recently attended a Neurosciences post-grad course at Queen Elizabeth in Birmingham and have had lots of opportunities to develop myself both clinically and academically.
We are a friendly, dedicated team who are passionate about neurology and are always keen to welcome new members to our team.
Helen Wood
Epilepsy Clinical Nurse Specialist
I qualified as a Registered Nurse in 1996 and my first job was as a Staff Nurse in Neurosurgery. Two years later I transferred to Neurology and 24 years later I am now an Epilepsy Clinical Nurse Specialist working alongside an experienced team of Nurses in an Outpatient setting. I have always had a passion for Neurology, which grew as I continued to work with a diverse specialist team.
During my days on the ward I undertook many courses in Neurology, Leadership, Teaching and Clinical Auditing. I was promoted to a Band 6 role, Deputy Ward Manager, Quality Nurse and also Acting Ward Manager.
Whilst I no longer work on the Neurology Ward, I perform clinics reviewing, supporting and managing patient’s Epilepsy striving to improve patients’ quality of life and reduce admissions to hospital. We have the Video Telemetry Suite on the ward where we care for Epilepsy patients whilst they are withdrawn off their antiepileptic medications. We are excited that we are now offering a Vagal Nerve Stimulator Service.
My enthusiasm for Neurology always emerged from my constant curiosity of the beauty and complexities of the brain and nervous system. This specialised science brings about a talented Nurse who is skilled in managing and caring for patients with multifarious symptoms of both physical and cognitive factors. The multiple disciplinary team in Neurology is a distinguished crew offering constant support, professionalism and learning pathways.
Karen Sheldon
Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Nurse Specialist
I started Nursing on the Neurology Ward 33 years ago. The Neurology Ward gave me a wealth of experience and knowledge. There are so many different aspects of this speciality that no two shifts are ever the same and there is always something new to learn and experience.
After a number of years on the ward I worked in the Neurology Outpatients Department where I was able to briefly be involved with some of the early clinical trials looking at treatments for Multiple Sclerosis.
Subsequently I managed a Neurology Five Day Unit, where patients could attend for treatments and investigations. It was here that I developed a special interest in Multiple Sclerosis having worked closely with the MS specialist nurses.
I was privileged have the opportunity to be seconded into an MS Specialist Nurse post in 1993. I realized that this was my niche and I am fortunate to still be in this role today. My work is often challenging. MS is unpredictable and presents differently for each patient and it has been amazing to be a part of the MS journey with patients for the last 17 plus years. Neurology presents many pathways for Nurses to specialize and diversify. The opportunities are endless!
