A physiotherapist has reflected on the responsibility and autonomy of her role – after gaining a new specialist qualification.
Beverley Marwood is an advanced clinical practitioner and physiotherapist in our urgent community response service.
Beverley completed an advanced clinical practice MSc degree with distinction earlier this year. It is part of a wider movement in the NHS to upskill staff and create advanced practitioners who can lead on patient care.
Beverley said: “The demands on therapists, particularly physiotherapists, within the NHS has changed significantly over my 10 years as an allied healthcare professional.
“They present higher acuity situations that require levels of clinical and non-clinical skills which previously would have needed a vast number of multi-disciplinary staff.
“In order to be able to provide the best care and continuity for my patients, I chose to embark upon the advanced clinical degree to upskill myself to meet this changing and growing demand and ensure therapists were represented in this innovative area of practice.
“These advanced clinical skills enable me to provide autonomous care to my patients, creating a much improved link between health and social care in the community.
“The additional pillars of advanced practice have amplified my leadership, education and research abilities to support my team and develop new, innovative services while maintaining a face-to-face clinical role.”