My Blog

In the 10 years since I taught in a school classroom, my passion for education still remains. It is focussed towards the education of healthcare professionals now rather than children with severe and profound learning difficulties. In addition to my talks at conferences on perinatal mental health and to relevant students I realise that one way to actively make positive changes is to become involved at the source of their education and training. Although I could have been a nurse I lost interest when they changed the uniform from when I was a child!

For the past four years I was delighted to represent patients at Nursing Programme Committee at the Open University and ensure that ‘our voice’ was heard. I like to feel I made an impact there and on many occasions reminded those planning the courses of the need for parity of esteem (equality of physical and mental health), excellent communication skills and always mentioned the importance of perinatal mental health wherever possible. My final involvement before my role ended in the summer was to make a pod-cast for their students on why perinatal mental health matters. Initially I had felt over-whelmed by all of the acronyms within the OU and had to ask members of the group to either give me a glossary or speak ‘in full’. This was always met with appreciation and in good humour. I always felt ‘part’ of the group and was always warmly welcomed. Even though the trip to Milton Keynes from Cheshire was often long, it felt worth it.

At a local level I am part of the Clinical Strategic Network for maternity and perinatal mental health. I know that my input helped to ensure that pre-conceptual counselling has been made part of the perinatal mental health pathway. My research and work into my new book, ‘Another Twinkle in the Eye – contemplating another pregnancy after perinatal mental illness‘ had shown me how important this is for those at risk. The CSN group listened to me. My knowledge and suggestion was respected and acted upon. Another blog will follow on more on this role.

I am still wanting to continue to raise awareness and impact of perinatal mental health so when I spotted a mailing from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) asking for members of the public to attend their ‘Patient and Public Advisory Group‘ meetings, I decided to attend.

The NMC say:

‘We regulate nurses and midwives in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. We exist to protect the public. We set standards of education, training, conduct and performance so that nurses and midwives can deliver high quality healthcare throughout their careers.

We make sure that nurses and midwives keep their skills and knowledge up to date and uphold our professional standards. We have clear and transparent processes to investigate nurses and midwives who fall short of our standards. We maintain a register of nurses and midwives allowed to practise in the UK.’

Whilst at the meetings at the Open University we regularly had to discuss and agree on training programmes to be sent to the NMC for their validation. It seems like ‘the next step’ for me.

I attended the first meeting earlier in the summer and remained quite a passive listener as a new member of the group. The second one was held on the 16th September. I travelled down from Cheshire to London; got soaked walking to the grand offices in Portland Place and listened to several of the team from the NMC telling us that they would like to hear from us ….. and the meeting soon ended. Candidly I did not feel valued and certainly not worth taking a day out of my life for and five hours of travel.

Both at the meeting and in correspondence afterwards I have shared my thoughts and feelings as to how a better relationship may be built up at such meetings so that we all can contribute more successfully to what the NMC is about. I believe that patient voices  need to be a balance of both reflecting on what is working well and what can be improved upon. That way everyone benefits. I feel we are there to add value – there are other times and places to speak about personal complaints.

I strongly believe in the excellent work that the vast majority of our nurses and midwives deliver. I want to help make their roles even better for them and the people in their care. If their regulatory body genuinely does want to listen to those who are at the receiving end of the care or nurses and midwives, I look forward to experiencing any changes in their style at the next meeting on 2nd December – watch this space! Perhaps you could come along to?

I have been assured that my comments and those from others present have been listened to 🙂

So do I believe that it is worth being a patient representatives at meetings? Of course I do – as long as their is mutual respect and a genuine desire to be listened to. It has to be more than feeling like a ‘tick box’ exercise from all involved. I want to make a positive difference – it’s not about building up a CV!

Elaine