Debbie Potter

BSc (Hons), RGN

Nursing Specialisms, General Medicine / Surgery, Care of the Elderly, Orthopaedics, Oncology

Introduction
I qualified as a Nurse in 1977, undertaking the RGN conversion in 1995 and the Specialist Practitioner Qualification and BSc (Hons) in Community Nursing in 1997. I started working in District Nursing in 1980, becoming a District Nursing Sister in 1997 before obtaining my current position as District Nursing Manager with Surrey Community Health in 2004.

Within my current role as Line Manager, I hold continuing overall responsibility for the day to day clinical, operational and budgetary management of Community Nursing and other nurses in primary care within a designated area (approximately 48 staff members). I am responsible for the clinical provision of nurses in primary care and provide advice and support to colleagues in general practice. I contribute to nursing strategy and policy development that optimise the potential of community nursing within a framework and I ensure that there is an equitable, evidence based service that is effective, efficient and makes advantageous use of resources, underpinned by Clinical Governance. I am responsible for monitoring capacity and demand within the community nursing service and make operational judgements that involve complex clinical decision making.

Within my management role I have taken the lead on specific areas, including the following:
♦ Developing strategies to support a Flu Pandemic and vaccination programme. Piloting a vaccine programmes for housebound individuals, thereby generating income.
♦ Identifying areas requiring improvement within nursing records and the legal requirements to demonstrate care given and the rationale for practice.
♦ The development of safe disposal of clinical and cytotoxic waste for patients and nurses, utilising current legislation regarding disposal of hazardous waste.
♦ The development of Health Care Assistants through skills analysis and training

I have undertaken investigations relating to patient, carer and staff complaints, staff performance related issues and grievances. The methods that I have utilised have included interviewing skills, obtaining statements, formulating management reports which have included conclusions, recommendations and developing proposals. These have frequently resulted in the development of work related performance plans, disciplinary action or dismissal and the development of plans for service improvement. Following completion of investigations, my management reports have been presented at hearings to senior management and directors. I have undertaken investigations not only within Community Nursing but also within Community Children’s Services.

I accept instructions from both Claimant and Defendant Solicitors and Insurers. I have undergone formal training in the medico-legal process and am fully aware of my responsibilities under the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) pertaining to Expert Witnesses.

Professional Affiliations:
Nursing & Midwifery Council
Community & District Nursing Association (GMB) - National Executive Member since 2006

Professional Education
Registration Number: RCN: 7610138E
2000     Nurse Prescriber, Brunel University        
1997     BSc (Hons) Community HealthCare, Nursing, Bucks College                     
1997     Specialist Practitioner Qualification, Bucks College            
1995     RGN Conversion, Bucks University        
1982     District Enrolled Nurse, WLIHE        
1977     State Enrolled Nurse, West Middlesex Hospital School of Nursing