A Manx Care employee has become the organisation’s first nurse endoscopist.
Nicola Burgess has also become the first to train and qualify on the Isle of Man.
A nurse endoscopist is a specialised nurse, trained to perform endoscopic examinations - non-surgical procedures in the digestive tract.
Historically, nurses could not carry out this role.
Ms Burgess has achieved her qualification after years of study and more than 10 years of work-based experience at Noble’s Hospital, following many years of experience gained in the NHS in the UK.
She became an endoscopist ’by accident’ in her own words, having accepted an opportunity to work in this specialism following time spent as a surgical urology nurse.
The role allowed her to combine her passion for working in a hands-on clinical environment with the use of complex technology, alongside her desire to achieve more family-friendly hours which was a requirement at the time.
Since then, she has developed a passion for endoscopy, and has devoted her career to advancing her skills and achieving her nurse endoscopist qualification, alongside her commitment to delivering exceptional patient-focused care.
She is also a member of the British Society of Gastroenterology.
Ms Burgess said: ’I’m delighted to become the island’s first nurse endoscopist after years of studying, and actually turning my passion into a reality!
’It means that we have increased specialist capacity here on the island, and can continue to develop our endoscopy provision for people living on the Isle of Man.
’It’s been very challenging managing my day job, alongside family commitments and studying, but my passion for endoscopy has really helped me to focus on this.’
She thanked endoscopy manager Mary Walmsley, endoscopy trainers Glen Husada and Abdul Khan plus the whole endoscopy team, saying: ’Without their help and support this would not have been possible!’
Dr Sree Andole, Manx Care’s executive medical director, said: ’Nicola is a fantastic role-model for her colleagues, and I know her patients will attest to that too.
’Her commitment to developing the future of the endoscopy service here on the island by bringing her knowledge and best practice to Manx Care will only continue to drive improvements in our service.
’I’m thrilled that she has managed to fulfil her long-held career ambition, as well as a first for Manx Care.’