Introducing our new Nursing Associate
Tower Family Healthcare is proud to introduce a new type of clinical role to our team of health care professionals.
The role of Nursing Associate bridges a gap between Health Care Support Workers and registered Nurses.
This is a new role within the Practice, making a vital contribution to the core work of the wider nursing team. Nursing Associates support patients of all ages with a range of care, including supporting them in the management of long term conditions such as asthma, diabetes and COPD.
Supported by the Practice, team Tower member Matt Coles recently qualified as the Practice’s first Nursing Associate, caring for patients registered with the Practice.
Matt’s story with the Practice started back in 2015 when he joined the team in an administrative role. He was eager to explore opportunities to further help and support our patient community, and soon took up an opportunity to train as a Phlebotomist, taking blood samples.
From here Matt’s passion for clinical work grew further, and keen to learn additional new skills, he trained to become a Health Care Support Worker whilst successfully completing the Care Certificate.
Supported by the Practice, in 2021 Matt took up the opportunity to sign up to the Nursing Associate training course, and after two years of hard work and study, he qualified with an impressive distinction grade earlier this year.
Matt is now a fully qualified Nursing Associate registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Talking about his new role, Matt Coles said:
“As a Nursing Associate, I am always looking at the bigger picture with my approach to care. This is at the forefront of the role, caring for patients holistically as much as possible.
“It’s been a fantastic opportunity for me to train and develop whilst working at the Practice and I am really enjoying meeting and supporting patients. My role includes helping patients to manage their long term conditions such as asthma, diabetes and COPD. I am also delivering annual health checks for people with a learning disability, whilst always looking for new ways to improve the care and wellbeing of our patients.”
Katie Booth, HR Manager at the Practice added:
“The Trainee Nursing Associate course is an excellent way for a Health Care Support Worker to get into nursing, take on more responsibility and develop their skills and knowledge in healthcare.
“At Tower Family Healthcare we are committed to investing in our own team and offering opportunities for colleagues to develop and thrive. Matt is a fantastic example of this, and we are very proud of his commitment and dedication to develop personally, whilst providing our patients with the best possible care and experience.”
The Practice is pleased to have recently welcomed additional Trainee Nursing Associates to the team.
Matt Coles is pictured with Lorraine Conway, Treatment Room Sister, receiving his Nursing Associate certificate.
