Annabelle Burgess

When accessing healthcare patients and their families can feel like they are swimming against the current. As a CNS I have had the privilege of steadying those waters, with knowledge, care and advocacy. My role has been to bridge the gap between patients and the MDT, assisting and supporting fast pace and complex decisions often seen in Cancer Care.

As one of the most senior members of my team I have played a pivotal role in nurturing and developing junior staff to ensure a positive patient experience.

Key elements of my role include:

• Advocating for patients' rights and needs, enhancing their overall hospital experience.
• Facilitating informative patient consultations to improve understanding of health conditions and treatments.
• Demonstrated excellent problem-solving skills in managing challenging healthcare situations and emergencies effectively.
• Maintained cost control by coordinating resources in line with clinical needs.

• I designed an implemented various protocols to support the team and improve patient experience when admitting the acutely unwell and delivering fluids on the unit
• Provided high quality patient care by administering medication, performing wound dressings, conducting routine checks, administering injections, taking blood samples and updating medical records to aid in accurate diagnosis.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills, fostering strong relationships with colleagues and patients alike.
• Dealt with emergencies with calm and composure.
• Oversaw, trained and mentored student and junior nursing staff.

My time at Barts was split between the Chemotherapy Unit, Acute Oncology service and ICU to support with the pandemic.

• In the Chemotherapy unit, i worked autonomously and part of a team to manage our daily caseload in providing chemotherapy and blood transfusions. My role was to both physically and emotionally support patients throughout their regime and closely monitor them for any further support they may need.
• The Acute Oncology Service is a dynamic service for the acutely unwell requiring fast paced decisions and excellent counselling skills to support patients and their families when they were feeling at the most vulnerable. It required finely tuned clinical skills in assessment and treatment to ensure patients received treatment as quickly possible.
• I volunteered for ICU given my respiratory, and Acute Oncology background, this was a wonderful test in resilience, counselling skills resource management and team work. I was commended for my adaptability quickly learning and becoming a part of the service which led to me being offered the opportunity to stay.

I began my career in Chelsea and Westminster Hospital on a rotation across the Respiratory, Medical Assessment unit and Frailty wards.

• Monitored vital signs, identifying any significant changes in condition.
• Facilitated smooth discharge processes for a seamless transition home.
• Delivered exceptional nursing care, resulting in improved patient satisfaction rates.
• Worked closely with fellow nurses, doctors and clinicians for consistent communication and continued best care practices.
• Was acting Nurse in charge through nomination very early in my career, due to my ability to mange resources and support the team