Simone Penfold

I am the lead nurse for diabetes and endocrinology at University Hospitals Dorset. This role encompasses all aspects of advanced clinical practice - clinical responsibilities, leadership and managerial, educational and research. I have initiated and been involved with strategic planning of care for patients with diabetes in Dorset. The role requires leadership of the nursing team across two hospital sites and organisation of care for in and outpatients in the adult service. Clinical areas worked in are outpatient clinics, inpatient services, structured education, pregnancy and pre-conception services. I have worked alone and within the multidisciplinary team, liaising with other stakeholders and healthcare professionals as needed.

I have 27 years of clinical experience working as a nurse. I have always worked in hospital settings and have had a varied experience. I have worked in a Surgical admissions unit, HDU, Accident and Emergency department, Theatre recovery and medical wards. This lead me to take a role in diabetes research which sparked my interest in diabetes care for patients. I was then able to gain a clinical role in diabetes at Bournemouth Hospital and have worked as a DSN for 14 years before starting my current role as lead nurse of the team.