Karen Fitzpatrick
I trained as both a paediatric and general nurse in Sheffield in 1984 and have since worked in many specialities including intensive care, bed management and lead paediatric nurse for planned surgery in a private hospital.
In recent years I have obtained two masters degrees, one in health and public service management and the second in advanced clinical practice.
I have worked as a nurse team lead in the Community Resource Team since its inception in 2011. The role is challenging and dynamic as the service constantly evolves to meet the needs of the community which we serve. The main remit of the team is to provide hospital at home services, aiming to prevent hospital admissions and to expedite hospital discharges.
In order to achieve this we take referrals into two work streams. Firstly as a mixed team of medics and nurses, all of whom have backgrounds in acute secondary care settings, we accept referrals for adults with multiple co-morbidities. The approach is a holistic one, identifying medical, social and psychological issues.
The second work stream, ‘rapid nursing’ is managed by the nursing team. A key component of delivering this service is the ability to administer intravenous antibiotics and fluids as either short or longer term interventions.
A recent development, is allowing us to expand and develop a range of treatment options such as blood transfusions, Intravenous iron replacement and Zolendronic acid infusions. The Gwent Frailty Project is a pioneering service and is seen is a beacon for Intermediate Care services around The UK.