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Philomena Hollinghurst, clinical lead matron for Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust - North Northumberland district nursing team and Rothbury Cottage Care- gives an insight into her career, her role and why she is passionate about what she does.

When I was 19 years old, in 1997, I had to help my Mum care for my dad. My dad was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, and it was six weeks from diagnosis to his passing. He was only 48 years old, and he left behind five children and a young widow. My world was shattered. 

One year later I was inspired be a nurse – to make a difference. In 1998 I started my first job at Alnwick Infirmary which is a community hospital and part of Northumbria Healthcare.  I worked on Aln ward which had 30 beds. I started as a healthcare assistant, and I was a band 2. Aln ward was where I was shown and learnt the fundamentals of nursing care and about the vital importance of maintaining high standards. I worked with some fabulous colleagues, and I am honoured to say I still call them my friends today. In 2003 I was lucky enough to be seconded to Northumbria University to do my nurse training. It was a busy year as I also got married to Ryan we had a beautiful wedding in Barbados.  

In 2006 I left university with a Diploma with distinction in adult nursing and a passion to care for people. During the three years at university, I was exposed to a lot of specialities, and I met incredible staff and patients. I knew I had made the right decision and that my dad would be so proud.  

When I first qualified, I worked on ward 15 at Wansbeck General Hospital. It was a busy acute medical ward, and it taught me some valuable lessons about time management and organisational skills. Even though I was not looking for a new job at the time, a year later a role became available on critical care. This is where I had carried out my student nurse management training and following a successful interview, I went on to work on the unit for nine years, gaining promotion to charge nurse, which was a band 6 role. I thoroughly enjoyed my job, and the speciality allowed me to provide a high standard of patient care in a highly skilled environment. Again, I worked alongside incredible colleagues who are responsible for who I am today. I had wonderful managers that I looked up to then and still do today.  

After five years and two baby girls later, only 12 months apart, I recognised that I needed a new challenge. I interviewed for a job as a trainee nurse practitioner working in frailty. I worked alongside highly skilled geriatrician consultants, and this is when I realised and grew a passion for frailty.  

I obtained non-medical independent prescribing and advanced clinical skills. Our service covered Wansbeck, Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital and also our community hospitals. Working in frailty helped me to build skills and relationships which helped to shape my future career.   

During my nurse training, community nursing wasn’t something I was drawn to. However, a job became available which would support patients at home and to avoid them going into hospital. The skills and knowledge I had developed over previous years were transferable and enabled me to become the community matron in the Alnwick district nursing team. So I went back to Alnwick, where is all started in 1998.  

In 2020 I was approached to support with a new model of care for Rothbury Community Hospital. Rothbury Hospital was underused, and the inpatient ward closed in 2016. Unfortunately, COVID-19 then struck and life as a nurse during this period was very difficult. In the background we continued to work on the model of care as we knew it would really benefit patients and local community. We collaborated closely with the local community and many stakeholders including GPs, local councillors, the MP, care providers and campaigners to achieve what we wanted to. Working together we all shared a vision to deliver a safe, high standard of care in a rural area, that put the patient at the centre.  

Working in partnership with People’s First Care, in January 2023 Rothbury Cottage Care opened its doors to both those needing residential care and NHS community hospital care. It started off as a 12-bedded facility and has recently increased to 14 beds. The facility provides residential care with flexible NHS beds. I am extremely proud as it is a pioneering model of care. We support step-up and step-down care, palliative care, rehabilitation, and long-term residential care. Each case is individually assessed to ensure that we can meet their needs. The facility is housed in the same building as a GP practice and the Northumbria Healthcare district nursing team. This integration of primary, secondary and residential care has been pivotal to the success of the model, and I am immensely proud to be a part of it.  

Since opening in January 2023, we have cared for 37 people 20 of them being NHS Patient’s. Patients are admitted from both hospital and home. Some patients go on to stay long-term and the flexible model of care allows this to happen seamlessly. We have received heartwarming stories and feedback from patients and families of how Rothbury Cottage Care has impacted their lives in so many positive ways. It is truly a service at the heart of the community.  

R and I would like you to pass on our appreciation of the care being given by everyone at Rothbury Cottage care. From day one R was welcomed by all and has continued to be happy and positive about being at Rothbury Cottage Care. His mental health has improved significantly, and he is less stressed and anxious and more confident. The warmth and friendliness of residents and staff alike provides the much-needed stimulation and companionship. R feels safe secure and cared for and supported when needed at all times of the day and night. This has been very reassuring both to R and me and a great relief during this very worrying and stressful period. 

I have worked for Northumbria Healthcare for 27 years now and the Trust has assisted and encouraged me to build a wonderful career. I have gained enhanced skills which has enabled and encouraged me to do my role today, which is clinical lead matron for Northumberland.  

My role gives me the platform to have a strong voice for both patients and staff. The role allows me to be operational as well as clinical. Alongside my work to support Rothbury Cottage Care, I lead north Northumberland district nursing teams. During my career I have never altered my values from the day I decided to become a nurse. People matter to me whether that is my team members, patients, or family members - they will always be the centre on my decisions.  

l am enormously proud to work in Northumbria Healthcare and I appreciate my job and the colleagues I work alongside. I feel lucky. It is not always an easy job; some days are particularly challenging. However, most days are rewarding.  

My teenage daughters have watched my career progression, they have been inspired to want to work in healthcare, they want to work with people and make a difference.