Gemma Cook
Ramsgate,Kent
Summary
Experienced healthcare professional with extensive familiarity with NHS systems and a strong commitment to patient safety protocols.
Compassionate leader with proven ability to manage healthcare teams and improve patient care standards. Combines strategic planning and strong communication skills to foster collaborative environments. Committed to driving positive outcomes and enhancing healthcare delivery.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work history
Head of Nursing
East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust
Margate, Kent
09.2022 - Current
- Over last three and a half years, I have overseen mutiple different areas within the same role with configuration of services and groups. These have included acute colorectal surgical wards, gastroenterology ward, trauma and orthopaedic wards, vascular services, community IV teams and currently medical and surgical same day emergency care. Whilst overseeing these times, I have completed a variety of experiences including:
- Championed a culture of continuous learning amongst nursing staff for better patient outcomes.
- Fulfilled organisational goals by implementing process improvements and cost-saving measures.
- Executed comprehensive audits regularly; maintained top-notch quality in nursing services.
- Devised strategic plans for departmental improvement, bolstering hospital reputation.
- Adhered strictly to all regulatory guidelines whilst performing nursing duties, ensuring compliance at all times.
- Ensures high standards of patient care by leading, coaching and mentoring nursing staff.
- Collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals for optimum patient treatment outcomes.
- Optimise and promote effective outcome of patient cases, liaising effectively with doctors and health care providers.
- Drives continuous improvement and anticipate and address actual and potential clinical errors.
- Oversees multiple clinical staff in developing and implementing individualised care for different speciality of patients.
- Maintained quality standards by monitoring service delivery, ensuring consistent compliance with clinical policies and regulatory requirements.
- Offered professional guidance and leadership.
- Participated in an on call tactical site based roster
- Assessed clinical care provisions to meet required safety standards.
- Coordinated staff rotas to meet service requirements whilst remaining under budget and making savings. as well as effective recruitment and developing plans for retention
- Implemented clear quality standards to maintain first-class patient provisions.
- Evaluated performance reports to monitor practice progress.
- Evaluated resource and service use to maximise department productivity.
- Developed an efficient roster system for improved team management.
- Ensured high standards of patient care by leading and mentoring nursing staff.
Matron
East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust
Margate, Kent
11.2019 - 09.2022
- Spent three years as a matron of general surgical and trauma and orthopaedic wards
- Promoted a culture of continuous learning amongst nurses fostering professional development and growth.
- Delivered superior patient care by coordinating with medical staff and managing resources effectively.
- Advocated for patient rights, leading to an increase in trust between patients and healthcare providers.
- Implemented infection control protocols to improve overall hospital hygiene standards.
- Facilitated training sessions for nursing staff, resulting in enhanced quality of healthcare provision.
- Coordinated discharge planning meetings, facilitating smoother transitions for patients leaving hospital care.
- Conducted regular audits of clinical practice, ensuring adherence to healthcare regulations.
- Liaised regularly with physicians and other healthcare professionals strengthening interdepartmental collaboration.
- Ensured smooth operations on the ward, leading to better patient experiences.
- Fostered a positive work environment amongst nursing staff which boosted morale and productivity levels.
- Delegated tasks efficiently amongst nurses, resulting in higher level of teamwork within the department.
- Improved patient satisfaction with focused attention to individual care needs and prompt response times.
- Enhanced quality of service for patients through effective communication and team organisation.
- Managed scheduling and rostering tasks, contributing to improved efficiency of nursing department.
- Actively participated in multidisciplinary team meetings providing valuable input for treatment plans.
- Identified areas for improvement during ward rounds, implementing changes that benefited overall patient care.
- Drove continuous improvement, to anticipate and address actual and potential clinical errors.
- Offered professional guidance and leadership
- Improved patient outcomes, prioritising care according to urgency of patient needs and available resources.
- Optimised staffing levels through robust roster management and effective recruitment
- Maintained quality standards by monitoring service delivery, ensuring consistent compliance with clinical policies and regulatory requirements.
- Dealt with emergencies with calm and composure.
- Complied with quality healthcare standards to uphold hospital reputation.
- Coordinated care across large wards based on patient priorities and requests.
Clinical site manager
East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust
Margate, Kent
01.2016 - 11.2019
- Led team of clinical site managers at acute hospital including -
- Demonstrated leadership skills during challenging circumstances, ensuring team morale remained high.
- Oversaw daily operations on-site, promoting effective workflow management.
- Ensured timely submission of patients' discharge summaries for efficient bed turnover rates in hospitals.
- Coordinated timely discharge planning, enhancing bed availability for critical patients.
- Coordinated discharge planning for smooth transition from hospital to home environment.
- Coordinated effectively with other departments within hospital setup ensuring seamless workflow.
- Supervised junior nurses to ensure adherence to hospital protocols and regulations.
Ward nurse and ward sister
East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust
Margate, Kent
09.2005 - 01.2016
- Responded calmly to medical emergencies, resulting in life-saving intervention.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring comprehensive patient care.
- Supported family members during difficult times, providing reassurance and comfort.
- Collaborated closely with other nurses to ensure consistent quality of care across shifts.
- Ensured adherence to hospital policies and procedures, maintaining high professional standards.
- Administered pain management protocols for increased patient comfort levels during recovery periods.
- Managed wound dressings and post-operative care to speed up healing processes.
- Maintained cleanliness of ward, reducing infection risks.
- Assisted patients with daily activities, promoting a sense of independence and dignity.
- Updated and maintained accurate patient records for seamless continuity of care.
- Provided high-quality patient care by administering medications, managing intravenous lines and monitoring health conditions.
- Ensured patient comfort with regular checks and communication.
Education
Nursing leadership
Florence Nightingale foundation Rosalind Franklin programme
online 01/2026 -
post graduate modules x 3 - Acute nursing
Canterbury Christ Church University
Canterbury 01/2010 - 06/2011
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Canterbury Christ Church University
Canterbury 09/2002 - 07/2005
Skills
- NHS system familiarity
- Patient safety protocols
- Clinical governance expertise
- Surgical care proficiency
- Nursing ethical codes
- Tactful delegation
- Communication excellence
- Innovation in nursing
- Budgeting proficiency
- Staff development
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Head of Nursing
East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust
09.2022 - Current
Matron
East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust
11.2019 - 09.2022
Clinical site manager
East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust
01.2016 - 11.2019
Ward nurse and ward sister
East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust
09.2005 - 01.2016
Nursing leadership
Florence Nightingale foundation Rosalind Franklin programme
01/2026 -
post graduate modules x 3 - Acute nursing
Canterbury Christ Church University
01/2010 - 06/2011
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Canterbury Christ Church University
09/2002 - 07/2005