The specialist nurses leading the way in advanced care
The brilliant nurses who provide specialised treatments to patients at world-renowned centres in mid and south Essex are being celebrated on International Nurses Day (12 May).
Three nurses who rehabilitate patients following a burns injury, support recovery after a heart or lung procedure, and lead on clinical research spoke about what inspired them to get into nursing, and why they are such special jobs.
Each is based at a centre run by Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, where around 5,000 nurses work in a range of roles.
Damien Crick, Nurse in the Burns Unit
Damien is a nurse in the Burns Unit at the St Andrew’s Centre, based at Broomfield Hospital. He is part of a patient’s recovery from a traumatic experience which could include a burn injury or medical skin loss, which means they need highly specialised care.
He says: “Our patients can be in hospital for a very long time and as nurses we are with them 24/7.”
Damien and the team make sure to celebrate each patient’s successes day by day, such as being able to stand up again, talking for the first time, and eating and drinking without issue.
“We celebrate every bit of progress. If someone stands up for the first time in weeks, that’s amazing,” says Damien.
One of his best memories is helping a patient leave the ward at Christmas. They went to see the Christmas light switch-on and listen to a choir in the atrium at Broomfield Hospital with their family.
Damien works with many other staff like physios, doctors and cooks to make sure patients get the best care. “I wouldn’t be where I am now without the support of my team.”
Swapna Kunhunny, Research Nurse
Swapna has been a Research Nurse for over ten years. She says: “I’ve always been interested in clinical research. It underpins everything we do in medicine - evidence-based practice, new treatments, and improved patient care all come from research.”
As a Research Nurse, Swapna supports clinical trials involving new medications, vaccines and procedures. She helps recruit patients, cares for them during the studies and ensures their safety and wellbeing while collecting and interpreting data.
“It’s not just about direct patient care,” she says. “We’re also responsible for regulatory compliance and helping shape new studies. It’s a role that blends science, coordination, and compassion.”
One of the standout moments in Swapna’s career came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she was involved in the national SIREN study, which examined NHS staff exposure to the virus and its effect on the immune system.
For Swapna, it’s the promise of discovery that keeps her motivated: “I see it as a voyage into the unknown. Some results take years, others come quickly, but it’s always exciting. We’re like bees collecting nectar: the impact builds over time into something transformative.”
“What inspires me most is being part of something meaningful – helping people, working with passionate colleagues, and contributing to the future of medicine. As research nurses, we’re not just observers, we’re part of the engine that drives innovation. I’ve never had a boring day.”
Shirley Mpeanim, Surgical Wound Nurse
Shirley reassures patients, brightening up what can be an anxious or uncertain time as they recover from procedures carried out at the Essex Cardiothoracic Centre (CTC), based at Basildon Hospital.
Shirley is a Surgical Wound Nurse, caring for patients with infected wounds after a heart or lung procedure. As she says: “My patients always say my hands are like magic.”
Shirley has always loved interacting with people, and so felt that the busy and engaged role of a nurse would suit her well when she first started her training.
“In nursing there’s an opportunity for positive impact with our patients, and I feel really happy when I’ve healed a patient. My favourite part of this job to this day is the interaction with others. There are opportunities for career growth, and nursing has so many avenues that you can get yourself into.”
For patients who have had lung or heart surgery, Shirley shares some helpful tips: “At the CTC we will provide you with specialist advice for you to take home. But the one thing I always tell our patients is that ‘you are still healing’. Take it easy on yourself and do not overdo things.”
She adds: “It is important always to listen to your heart. Even though the heart is on the left, it’s always right.”
To find out more about career opportunities in nursing in mid and south Essex, visit: https://www.mse.nhs.uk/work-and-learn