Heartbeat: Improving patient flow in AMU

May 15, 2019

A newly appointed acute medical nurse practitioner is building the bridge between medical and nursing colleagues at City Hospital AMU.

Natalie Binfield’s role involves the clerking, review and discharge of patients, ordering X-rays and scans, as well as teaching. Dealing with a wide variety of patient conditions, Natalie adapts to the daily requirements of the department and assists colleagues in ambulatory care when required.

She says: “The role has helped with patient flow, as I help ensure that patients are seen and discharged faster, leading to greater patient satisfaction. As I’m a non-medical prescriber, I can also help those patients that will benefit from a ‘quick fix’, ensuring they are treated more quickly.”

Having started as a staff nurse in rheumatology 14 years ago, Natalie has progressed steadily to the new developmental role. She continues: “I really enjoy making a difference to patient care and have found that my nursing background helps me explain a patient’s condition to them clearly.”

Claire Obiakor, Senior Sister at AMU City explains: “We’re very proud of Natalie. She’s home-grown and has completed all of her training here. A Master’s degree is the next step for her. Management understand the importance of roles like hers that combine clinical level training with a nursing background. The intention is to create more highly autonomous, clinical roles such as hers in preparation for our transition to the new Midland Metropolitan Hospital.”