Jill Ashton

Qualifications

Advanced Dip Nursing (Child), B.Med.Sci (Hons), MSc module (Acute & High Dependency)

Specialisms

Paediatrics including surgical, medical & orthopaedic wards; complex neurodisabilities & A&E.

Introduction

Since qualifying as a Registered Nurse in 2000, I have gained significant experience as a senior Paediatric Nurse working in a busy, dedicated children's hospital. 

During the course of my career, I have worked within numerous ward and department areas including; General Medicine (covering respiratory, cardiology, endocrinology, neurology, metabolic medicine, immunology, metabolic bone disease and gastroenterology), General Surgery, Orthopaedic and Spinal Surgery, Neurosurgery, Burns Unit, Neonatal Surgical Unit (Critical Care), Complex Neurodisability Respite Services, Emergency Department and Acute Assessment Unit Day Care Surgery, Sleep Disorder Unit and Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (Critical Care) and Outpatient Department.

My areas of expertise include:
•  All aspects of ward work (including care planning and assessment, family support and teaching, neurological, neurovascular, and cardiovascular observation monitoring)
•  Acute and Emergency Care
•  Post - Anaesthetic Care
•  Complex patient management and care delivery including the management of tracheostomies 
•  Safe administration of medicines via all routes and the management of peripheral cannulas and central lines
•  Acute pain management

Currently, I undertake twice weekly bank shifts for the Trust via NHS Professionals. My current role is in the Outpatient Department but until January 2022 my work predominantly involved caring for children with a high level of dependency including those who were; tracheostomy ventilated (using both BiPAP and CPAP systems), gastrostomy and nasogastrically fed and/or require supplementary oxygen therapy at the Trust’s offsite Neurodisability Respite Unit. I regularly provided care for complex patients and the deteriorating child, some of whom were on Limitation of Care Agreements and required escalation for symptom management, often in highly charged, demanding and emotive situations. I also have extensive ward-based nursing experience across both surgical and medical specialities.

In addition, I have developed a sound knowledge base of the safe administration of medicines and legislative requirements having previously taught this subject as a Distance Learning Tutor to community care providers and return to practice nurses. Also, as part of the Trust's CQC preparations, I have contributed to clinical audit by reviewing nursing records against a set criterion. 

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 Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) pertaining to expert witnesses.