12 60 seconds with… Alice Fisher Alice Fisher is a clinical research nurse in cardiology at BH. Tell us about your role? Since university I’ve always been interested in research and using evidence-based practice. I was working at the trust in the emergency department prior to this role and felt like I needed a big change away from the hecticness, while also applying my diverse and advanced clinical knowledge. What does a typical day involve for you? I could be seeing patients who are enrolled in our Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials as we monitor them closely while they are receiving the IMP (investigational medicinal product). Then there are always meetings and documentation to catch up on. I’m also currently undertaking a Level 3 Data Literacy Apprenticeship with Multiverse, an NHS scheme which upskills staff. What is particularly exciting about the work you do? It is exciting having such variation and autonomy. I get to work with a whole range of people including consultants and senior specialist nurses. Studies can last years and so you really get to know your patients who become like family. It is also fulfilling to know that the work you are doing can change future healthcare practice. How can staff get involved with research? Everyone can get involved – whether that is in your job role or as a participant. Currently I am a participant in a research study within the trust called NHS Digiwell, a study working to beat email technostress. Also check out Freenet as there is a lot of resources there. What skills do you need? To be a research nurse you must have a willingness to learn and have a curious mind. You need to be able to read protocols and use your initiative and clinical experience to make decisions. You work closely with pharmaceutical companies as well as big university institutions and so communication and organisational skills are key. Part of the role is also about taking the time to explain to patients how research works and having the patience to address their preconceptions and concerns. What obstacles have you overcome? Starting out as a novice in research and leaving ED meant adapting to a whole new style of working. However, the team has been very supportive, and my confidence continues to grow each day. How do you like to unwind away from work? I like to go on lots of holidays. I’m planning on beating the winter blues with a Caribbean cruise. Has your cardiology research job seen you make any changes to your lifestyle? Working with cardiac patients definitely makes you think more about your own heart health. I definitely drink more water and I’ve started doing a regular 5k parkrun. Start Well: Share your views Share your views on proposed changes to how and where some maternity, neonatal and children’s surgical services across North Central London could be delivered in the future. These include proposals: • to close maternity and neonatal services at the RFH or Whittington Health NHS Trust • to close the birthing suites at Edgware Birth Centre, while retaining antenatal and postnatal care on the Edgware Community Hospital site • to consolidate some surgery for babies and very young children in centres of expertise at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust and University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The aim is to ensure patients get the very best care, in the right place at the right time for many years to come. No decisions have yet been made. The consultation, led by North Central London Integrated Care Board and NHS England Specialised Commissioning, closes on Sunday 17 March 2024. For more information see Freenet.
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