Vulnerable patients to receive dedicated support

Kirsty Smith, Matron for Mental Health and Learning Disabilities

Vulnerable patients at UHNM are set to receive the dedicated support of their very own Matron. Kirsty Smith has joined the trust as Matron for Mental Health and Learning Disabilities and will oversee care for those with mental health difficulties, learning disabilities, dementia and autism. The role is new to UHNM and will involve working closely with the trust’s safeguarding team and the acute liaison nurse for learning disabilities.

Michelle Rhodes, Chief Nurse, said: “The creation of this role is an important step forward and means that we will be able to develop greater strategic direction in our care of vulnerable patients. Kirsty’s expertise will mean we have a dedicated person for anyone being cared for at UHNM who requires that extra bit of support and understanding. Although there are teams in the community who cover these aspects of care, it is vital that we also provide the right sort of help at the right time in our acute clinical setting, especially in these ever-changing times where mental health challenges are increasing.”

Kirsty qualified as a registered mental health nurse in 2008 and has worked in psychiatric intensive care as a ward manager.  She is a Student Practice Assessor, Qualified Complementary Therapist, Non-Medical Prescriber and has also worked towards workplace coaching.

Kirsty said: “I’m really pleased to have been given this role and am looking forward to getting involved and making a difference. It’s important that people feel safe, understood and well cared for when they come into hospital and my job will be about making sure that happens. I also want to be able to drive forward progress in care for vulnerable patients, who can sometimes feel that their voices are not heard.”