She was one of three Nurse Leads from
Kent and Medway clinical commissioning groups at the reception at Number 10
which was attended by Prime Minister David Cameron, the Health Secretary Andrew
Lansley, the Chief Nursing Officer and other MPs.
They discussed the importance of
strong leadership for nursing in clinical commissioning to ensure quality of
care for all patients.
Mary said: “It was really exciting and
a great privilege to be invited to number 10. It was interesting to meet other
nurse leaders from around the country and share our thoughts on the direction of
nursing.”
The other guests
from Kent and Medway were Judith Marsh, nurse practitioner from Ashford and Jane
Boreham, nurse manager from Hythe who are Nurse Leads
on their local clinical commissioning group boards. In all, around 100 nurse
leaders from across the country were at the event.
Mary explained: “The event
demonstrated that David Cameron recognised the role of nurses as leaders and it
was an opportunity for nurses to explain their broad contribution to health
care.
"As a nurse representative on the
local clinical commissioning group, I believe that nurses play an important role
in informing and guiding where we should focus developments, keeping in mind
what patients really want and need and making sure the care we do provide is of
a high standard."
Clinical commissioning groups
are currently working in shadow form. Under the Health and Social Care Bill,
clinical commissioning groups are expected to take over the commissioning of
most health services from April 2013.
