This article was first published in the APCP Newsletter on 5th December 2022
What does your role involve in a nutshell?
As Chair of the Neonatal Committee, it is my role to lead and drive forward the work completed by the 12 members of our specialist committee. We are a busy committee with lots of projects on the go as the profile of neonatal physiotherapy has been raised significantly at a national level over the last few years. I represent the Neonatal Committee on APCP National Committee.
How did you get involved with the neonatal committee?
I was invited to join the neonatal committee back in 2012 after taking on my first band 7 neonatal physiotherapy role by a current committee member. I was quickly appointed secretary after the secretary at the time was emigrating – a role that stuck with me for 5 years, even through two rounds of maternity leave! In 2017 I took on the role of vice chair for the committee, deputising for the chair at national committee meetings when needed, before taking on the role of chair in September 2021. Normal committee terms are 8 years, however due to the highly specialist nature of neonatal physiotherapy, and lack of an experienced wider workforce we have been able to serve longer terms.
What’s your current job role and how do you get time away from it?
I currently have a split role. I work as a Clinical Specialist Neonatal Physiotherapist on a level 3 NICU at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton two days a week, and the other two days a week I work as the lead neonatal physiotherapist for the West Midlands Neonatal Operational Delivery Network. I have also been the AHP representative for the Neonatal Implementation Board since 2019. My work life is super busy but I love what I do so I don’t mind. And as my home life is even busier, work is in fact my respite from my chaotic household. I have three young, lively boys and juggling their needs and work demands leave me little time for myself. When I do snatch some ‘me’ time I love reading, baking and countryside walks.
How has being on committee helped with your professional development?
Due to the isolating nature of working in the neonatal field, I really value my role on the committee as it provides an excellent opportunity for networking and peer support, as well as having the opportunity to contribute to change at a national level. It has also been really rewarding to see work we have completed as a committee out in the public domain providing support for other neonatal physiotherapists as well as patients and families.
What would be your advice on how to get involved?
I know people are so busy with work and life, and often feel they have little else to give. However being part of a committee gives you an opportunity to have your voice heard and work together as a team to make a positive change for our colleagues and patients. There are so many opportunities to join a committee – you can choose a regional committee, specialist committee or national committee! Why not ask to come along to sit in on a meeting to get a feel for what is involved.
‘Be the change you want to see in the world’!