Sue Thompson

I started my career in neonatal nursing at North Tees Hospital in June 1991, with the intention of moving to paediatrics when a job became available. I immediately fell in love with neonatal nursing and dismissed the opportunity to move to paediatrics.

Throughout my clinical career I have worked at University Hospital of North Tees, Friarage Hospital and The James Cook university Hospital in intensive care, special care, transitional care, as part of the transport team and the community nursing team.

I was a BLISS nurse between 2013-2016 where supporting families, emotionally and physically enhanced my experience and confidence. Within this role I had the opportunity to work with staff and families across the Northern Neonatal Network.

The experience within this role enhanced my knowledge within neonatal palliative care and perinatal/infant mental health, and it is these areas that I hope to develop and unify across the network.

I have worked as a manager in paediatrics for the last 4.5 years and supported a unit through a reconfiguration of service and also redeployment to adult services during COVID 19. Staff support and communication was essential throughout this process, also ensuring high quality care was still provided holistically to children and their families.

I look forward to the opportunities this role brings.