International Partnership Exploring New Approaches to Patient Care
A long-standing partnership has reached a new milestone as nursing managers and nursing heads from the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University (GHNMU) visited the ICENI Centre and East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) for the first time.
The relationship began in 2018, with a shared goal of exploring new approaches to clinical training, consultancy, research and education. Over the past eight years, three cohorts of doctors have visited ESNEFT. This year, however, we welcomed the first cohort of GHNMU nursing managers and nursing heads.
Their specialties include cardiovascular, trauma and orthopaedics (T&O), emergency care, neurology, thoracic, vascular services and care of the elderly. During their visit, the group were given the opportunity to observe different models of care and learn from teams across the Trust.
Mel Purnell, Head of Advanced Clinical Skills and Simulation at ESNEFT, said, “This year we have piloted having the nurses come over from Ningxia Medical University.
“It’s been a great chance to share the care we provide and the many ways we support our patients. It’s amazing to be part of a collaboration where both healthcare systems can learn from each other, share best practice, and ultimately improve outcomes for patients.”
The visiting nurses have highlighted several aspects of ESNEFT’s approach that have particularly impressed them.
Ding Ling, Associate Chief Nurse, spoke of the importance of community care, saying it was “really eye-opening” to see the level of follow-up provided to patients after discharge. “I would really like to explore how we can integrate this kind of community support into our own care systems when we return, as well as increasing opportunities for nurses to take on leadership roles.”
Ding Wen, Deputy Director of Nursing, also reflected on differences in professional roles within healthcare systems. “At home, there is a clear distinction between doctors and nurses,” she explained. “Here, we have seen that nurses’ skills and expertise are recognised and respected to the same degree as doctors. The Advanced Care Practitioner (ACP) role is something I would like to introduce within our healthcare setting.”
ESNEFT physiotherapist, Nic Alexander said, "They were so appreciative of our insights and shared that for the most part, nurses undertake the role of the AHPs, aside from technicians and rehabilitation therapists. They appeared amazed at the level of autonomy that some of our AHPs have.”
As the partnership continues to evolve, both organisations hope to build on the success of this latest exchange, strengthening international collaboration and sharing knowledge to enhance patient care in both countries.