ABIGAIL GILBERT

Led establishment and implementation of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) service across paediatric oncology and haematology, developing clinical pathways and embedding genomic medicine into routine practice. Built strong multidisciplinary partnerships, influencing clinicians and stakeholders to ensure effective service delivery and compliance with NHS England protocols. Coordinated patient recruitment, consent, governance, and pathway management while meeting regional quality standards and performance targets. Designed and delivered formal and informal education programmes for multidisciplinary teams, supporting both junior and senior colleagues to develop genomic knowledge and confidence. Acted as clinical expert, providing specialist advice, driving service improvement, and promoting best practice through collaboration with regional and national platforms.

Provided specialist clinical leadership in Infection Prevention and Control, leading quality improvement initiatives and influencing evidence-based practice across multidisciplinary teams. Delivered expert advice on healthcare-associated infections, surveillance, outbreak management, and clinical governance, ensuring compliance with NHS standards and regulatory requirements. Developed and delivered education programmes for multidisciplinary staff, mentoring junior and senior colleagues to strengthen organisational capability. Collaborated with clinical and operational leaders to drive service improvement, implement policy, enhance patient safety, and embed a culture of continuous quality improvement.

Delivered comprehensive, evidence-based pre-operative assessment for infants, children, and young people undergoing elective and complex surgical procedures, ensuring clinical optimisation, comprehensive health assessments, and safe preparation for anaesthetic and surgery. Coordinated multidisciplinary preoperative pathways in collaboration with surgeons, anaesthetists, specialist nurses, and allied health professionals to optimise patient outcomes, reduce surgical cancellations, and ensure seamless, family-centred care. Provided specialist education and psychological preparation to children, young people, and their families, promoting informed decision-making and supporting them throughout their pre operative journey. Supported the development of the nursing workforce through clinical teaching, supervision, and mentorship of students and registered colleagues, fostering professional growth and the consistent delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care. Actively contributed to service development, clinical audit, and quality improvement initiatives, driving improvements in patient safety, efficiency, and the overall preoperative experience for children and their families.

Provided senior clinical leadership in paediatric post-anaesthetic recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering advanced care to critically ill infants, children, and young people within a complex perioperative environment. Supported the rapid adaptation of services in response to evolving clinical demands, collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to ensure safe, evidence-based, and family-centred care. Acted as a practice assessor and role model in accordance with the NMC Code, providing teaching, supervision, mentorship, and clinical support to students, newly qualified nurses, and registered colleagues to promote professional development and high standards of practice. Contributed to service resilience, quality improvement, and the implementation of national guidance through clinical leadership, education, and continuous service development.

Provided specialist, evidence-based nursing care to children and young people with cancer, leading the delivery of complex systemic anti-cancer therapies (SACT), supportive treatments, symptom management, and palliative and end-of-life care across the patient pathway. Influenced clinical decision-making through assessment, care coordination, and collaborative working with multidisciplinary teams to optimise patient outcomes and ensure exceptional family-centred care. Championed professional standards in accordance with the NMC Code, acting as a practice assessor, educator, and mentor to students, newly qualified nurses, and registered practitioners, fostering clinical excellence, professional accountability, and workforce development. Drove quality improvement, service development, and patient education initiatives, embedding evidence-based practice, enhancing safety, and promoting innovation within paediatric oncology service

Delivered high-quality, evidence-based care to critically ill infants, children, and young people within a tertiary Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, including the management of complex post-operative cardiac patients following congenital and acquired cardiac surgery. Progressed from newly qualified nurse to an experienced practitioner, developing advanced clinical skills in critical care, haemodynamic monitoring, ventilatory support, and the management of complex therapies within a fast-paced environment. Worked collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team to coordinate safe, compassionate, and family-centred care, ensuring optimal patient outcomes throughout critical illness and recovery. In accordance with the NMC Code, acted as a mentor and role model, supporting the learning and development of students through teaching, supervision, and clinical assessment. Participated in quality improvement initiatives, audits, and the implementation of evidence-based practice to enhance patient safety and continuously improve the quality of paediatric critical care.