Janet aims to use her new position on the RCN’s Discharge Planning and Continuing Health Care Committee to raise awareness among health and social care professionals of how our role can improve the experience of patients and practitioners alike. Here’s some background information - in her own words.

I have worked for the NHS for over 25 years, starting in 1982 as a student at the Bromley School of Nursing. Having qualified as a registered general nurse in 1986, I worked as a staff nurse on Lister Ward at Orpington Hospital, but my long held goal was to work in the community.

This I achieved in 1987, when I commenced working as a community staff nurse at Lee Green Health Centre. After studying at the Croydon College of Further Education, I qualified as a district nurse in 1989. I got married that same year and began practising in the Medway Towns.

For the past 10 years I have worked in various positions in the field of NHS continuing health care, currently managing the NHS Continuing Health Care (CHC) and NHS Funded Nursing Care Service for Medway Primary Care Trust.

Raising awareness of our role

Working in the arena of discharge planning and NHS CHC is at times difficult or complex and often my work is little understood by other health and social care professionals. Nurses who work in our field have a challenging role and I hope that I can help the forum take every opportunity to raise awareness of this important area of nursing practice and improve the experience for practitioners and, most importantly, for patients and their families.

My current job keeps me very busy, but I know it’s important to achieve a healthy work/life balance so I enjoy spending time with my family, especially rising to the challenges of being a mum to a teenager! I am always redecorating our old cottage, much to my husband’s despair, and we both enjoy travelling and spending time with friends.

If I can help you with any query, email or write to me at NHS Medway, 50 Pembroke Court, Chatham Maritime, Chatham, Kent ME4 4EL. Telephone: 01634 335045.