How to survive and thrive in nursing: a rheumatology perspective
11 Jun 2026, 13:00 - 14:00
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This will be a chance to meet the forum members and hear a brief overview of topics such as quality improvement, leadership and transition as well as practical strategies to ensure we look after our own wellbeing despite all the demands on our time.
Speaker biographies:
Alison Kent – Forum Chair
Rheumatology Nurse Manager at Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust with over 30 years’ experience. Alison is active in BSR and EULAR task forces, contributing to guidelines, research, and publications on rheumatology care, including vaccinations and co-morbidities. She is passionate about patient education, empowerment, and coaching in healthcare, and supports national advocacy through NRAS and Versus Arthritis.
Helen Lee – Vice Chair
Lead Paediatric Rheumatology Nurse at Sheffield Children’s Hospital. Helen established the rheumatology nursing service and now manages the team, runs clinics, and supports young patients with procedural anxiety. She is committed to education, awareness of JIA, and has contributed to fundraising efforts for arthritis charities.
Gail Burbage
Highly experienced Rheumatology Specialist Nurse (since 1997), recognised for transforming services into multidisciplinary, community-focused care. Gail has led service development, contributed to RCN, BSR, and NICE guidance, and received national awards. She is currently a Consultant Nurse in Nottingham focusing on joint injections, service improvement, and nurse development.
Heather Smee
Paediatric Rheumatology Nurse Specialist at Bristol Children’s Hospital with a background in paediatric nursing from Bart’s. Heather supports children with chronic autoimmune conditions and is passionate about holistic, family-centred care, education, and improving patient experience through multidisciplinary collaboration.
Joanne Dobson
Rheumatology and Research Nurse with over 20 years’ experience. Currently based in Edinburgh, Joanne focuses on fatigue management in rheumatic diseases, contributing to research such as the FLIP programme. She combines research and holistic care to improve treatment pathways and patient outcomes.
Vitor Goncalves
Advanced Practice and Lead Rheumatology Nurse at Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust. With a diverse clinical background, Vitor specialises in inflammatory arthritis and research, achieving advanced practitioner status (MSc) in 2025. He is committed to service improvement, research, and advancing nursing practice within rheumatology.
Megan King
megan.king@rcn.org.uk
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Page last updated - 02/06/2026
