
A Stockton-On-Tees specialist nurse is helping to shape the future of healthcare in her new women’s health role.
Norton local Sadie Hewson joined North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust in 2017 as a volunteer before undertaking her Adult Nursing Degree at University of York.
Originating from South Carolina, Sadie moved to Stockton to be close to her family but fell for the charms of Teesside when she met her husband, 30-year-old Joe Nelson.
Her dream was to work in a healthcare setting but Sadie needed to gain practical experience in order to make this a reality.
North Tees gave her the opportunity to volunteer in the hospital. Her duties included serving food, assisting in feeding patients, visiting and keeping patients company.
The 28 year old said: “I knew that I wanted to work in the medical field from the age of six. I was in and out of hospital due to benign tumour so it was the hospital exposure that made me realise my passion.
Becoming a specialist nurse
After completing her degree in adult nursing, Sadie returned to the Trust to work in the community before joining the outpatients department.
Here she gained experience in a wide range of medical disciplines, discovering her passion for gynaecology and women’s health.
Sadie commented: “As a woman I think that we have a natural curiosity for women’s health. Outpatients gave me experience in this role and it was here I fell in love with it.”
“North Tees gave me the opportunities to grow and learn in healthcare. I am forever grateful for the support I have received. Especially from my line manager Sandra Burdiss and other management who have supported my interest and ability to progress.
“From day one of volunteering at North Tees I knew that I’d dedicate my career to the place that trained and supported me.”
“Potential from the start”
Centralised Outpatients Matron Sandra Burdiss has worked alongside Sadie and watched her healthcare journey.
Sandra said: “I could see the potential in Sadie from the start. She was forward thinking and always committed to developing her knowledge and skills as she could see the benefits to patient care.
“Working in outpatients exposes staff to lots of different specialities and experience. When we see potential in people we like to develop them as much as possible.”
Sadie’s next challenge is undertaking the role of urogynaecology specialist nurse, a senior position that is new to North Tees. She is paving the way for specialist care in her field by handling complex cases and providing patients with emotional and physical support.
Sadie continues: “I am incredibly grateful for this new position. I love the fact that I can use my natural empathy to understand patient’s experiences and change their outcomes. I’m really looking forward to working Mr. Puthuraya and the urogynaecology team.”
“The Trust took in a fresh graduate unsure of her next steps and allowed her to find passion and speciality. I’m now ready to take my learning and help the wider community.”