Aileen McCartney

Co-Chair, South East

I currently work as an Advanced Practitioner in frailty at Whitstable Medical Practice in Kent, I have been in post almost 2 years.  My role is split between supporting the local care homes with all their medical needs and supporting those with moderate to severe frailty living in their own homes.  I work with another trainee ACP and we have just appointed a 3rd ACP to our team and a care co-ordinator, clearly demonstrating the beneficial effect from our roles already.  My background is physiotherapy and I was a specialist physiotherapist in palliative care for 13 years prior to taking on this new post.  I have found lots of similarities between palliative care and geriatrics and my advance care planning skills are used on a daily basis.  I am a non-medical prescriber, completed my MSc in Supportive and Palliative Care and I have recently completed my PG Diploma in Advanced Practice. I have ambitions to go on to my PhD in the coming years!

Reason for joining to region committee:

In my previous role in palliative care I was Chair of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Oncology and Palliative Care for 4 years and a member of the committee in various roles for around 10 years.  Through this I developed a great understanding and value of the roles of professional networks and interest groups. Starting in a new post I wanted to link in with other professionals working in this area and in similar roles therefore joined the BGS.  When I saw this opportunity advertised, I felt it would be a great way to network and gain further experience.

Why BGS members should get involved with the region:

Any professional network is only as successful as its members and this extends to regional groups also.  It is essential for people working in a region to get involved with the work of the BGS and their regional group in order to make it a success.  The benefits to the individual are in developing new skills in working with a national organisation, networking, being up to date and involved in research and new developments in our specialty and ensuring professionals continue to improve their knowledge and skills for the benefit of their patients.

Contact Aileen by email (aileenmccartney [at] nhs [dot] net), using the members directory or by sending her a message on the BGS forum.