Reflections as CFNA Chair
As I handover the role of Chair of the CFNA knowing what a fantastic leader Sally Basford will be I reflect on my time as chair with pride and joy. After Sally asked me to come back to the committee in a non-comital role post COVID I somehow found myself in the chair position shortly after. I completely blame Sally for this, so it is only right she is now chair!
It’s been an amazing three and half years kicked off with the rebrand and development of the website thanks to Amperative (calling in help from Sally’s brother Tim for IT know how).
My time as chair has seen the Kaftrio, then Alyftrek NICE technology appraisals; development of the NHS England GIRFT Toolkit; 3 ECFS abstracts/posters (one coming soon); contribution to CF Trust documents; the annual study day x 3; the introduction of the supervision programme, and, the one with the biggest sense of achievement, the standards for the nursing management of cystic fibrosis. All of which has been possible thanks to the dedication and hard work of the committee members.
During my time in the role the opportunity to be involved in national work and the personal development that came alongside this enabled me to further my career and successfully transition to CF Nurse Consultant. For this I will be forever grateful.
But the committee isn’t just about the work, it’s about so much more. It’s about the people, the support and the friendships. I have gained more from this lovely group of humans than they will ever realise, and I will miss being part of that team.
As I step away, I look forward to some time to dedicate to other projects. Many of you know I love the heparin topic and I am pleased to announce my systematic review was (FINALLY) published ( A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Using Heparinised Saline versus 0.9% Sodium Chloride to Prevent Central Venous Catheter Occlusion in People with a Totally Implantable Venous Access Device (TIVAD’s): A Systematic Review). You may also hear more from me about the flu vaccine project, as well as improving communication with primary care providers.
I would like to once again take this opportunity to thank the committee for all they have done, and continue to do, but also to thank each and every one of you! The CFNA is a unique and amazing group to be a part of, full of passionate, caring and supportive people. I look forward to seeing it continue to grow and develop with Sally and team at the helm!
Caroline
