Northumberland matron inspired to become a nurse after dad's devastating death

A Northumberland nurse has shared how her dad's death due to cancer at just 48 inspired her career.

Philomena Hollinghurst has now worked for the NHS for 27 years - and as the trust's clinical lead for Northumberland, she has played a pivotal role in the launch of a pioneering model of hospital and care services in the town of Rothbury. Philomena - or Philly - spoke about her NHS journey, which began at Alnwick Infirmary.

She said: "When I was 19 years old, in 1997, I had to help my mum care for my dad. My dad was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, and it was six weeks from diagnosis to his passing. He was only 48 years old, and he left behind five children and a young widow. My world was shattered.

"One year later I was inspired be a nurse – to make a difference. In 1998 I started my first job at Alnwick Infirmary which is a community hospital and part of Northumbria Healthcare. I worked on Aln ward which had 30 beds and I started as a healthcare assistant."

Philly said that role taught her the fundamentals of nursing care, and she worked with "fabulous colleagues" who she remains close to. In 2003 she was seconded to do nurse training at Northumbria University, the same year she married her husband.

She added: "In 2006 I left university with a diploma with distinction in adult nursing and a passion to care for people. During the three years at university, I was exposed to a lot of specialities, and I met incredible staff and patients. I knew I had made the right decision and that my dad would be so proud.

"When I first qualified, I worked on ward 15 at Wansbeck General Hospital. It was a busy acute medical ward, and it taught me some valuable lessons about time management and organisational skills. Even though I was not looking for a new job at the time, a year later a role became available on critical care."

Philly went on to work in critical care for nine years and "thoroughly enjoyed" the job, became a band 6 charge nurse, and had "wonderful managers" who she still looks up to. After her stint there, and having two daughters just a year apart, she became a trainee nurse practitioner working in frailty - and working across the county's hospitals.

Then, she became a community matron leading the Alnwick district nursing team - but in 2020 she was asked to be part of the work revamping Rothbury Hospital. Philly continued: "In 2020 I was approached to support with a new model of care for Rothbury Community Hospital. Rothbury Hospital was underused, and the inpatient ward closed in 2016.

Unfortunately, Covid-19 then struck and life as a nurse during this period was very difficult. In the background we continued to work on the model of care as we knew it would really benefit patients and local community.

"We collaborated closely with the local community and many stakeholders including GPs, local councillors, the MP, care providers and campaigners to achieve what we wanted to. Working together we all shared a vision to deliver a safe, high standard of care in a rural area, that put the patient at the centre."

There was a substantial grassroots campaign to ensure the hospital reopened and, in January last year, in partnership with People First Care, the revamped hospital now known as Rothbury Cottage Care opened its doors. At first there were 12 beds but this has now expanded to 14.

Philly added: "The facility provides residential care with flexible NHS beds. I am extremely proud as it is a pioneering model of care. We support step-up and step-down care, palliative care, rehabilitation, and long-term residential care. Each case is individually assessed to ensure that we can meet their needs.

"The facility is housed in the same building as a GP practice and the Northumbria Healthcare district nursing team. This integration of primary, secondary and residential care has been pivotal to the success of the model, and I am immensely proud to be a part of it."

Since January last year, 37 people have received care at Rothbury including 20 NHS patients. Philly added: "Patients are admitted from both hospital and home. Some patients go on to stay long-term and the flexible model of care allows this to happen seamlessly.

"We have received heartwarming stories and feedback from patients and families of how Rothbury Cottage Care has impacted their lives in so many positive ways. It is truly a service at the heart of the community."

She reported how one patient said their "mental health has improved significantly" while at Rothbury, and that the was a "great relief". Philly added: "During my career I have never altered my values from the day I decided to become a nurse. People matter to me whether that is my team members, patients, or family members - they will always be the centre on my decisions.

"l am enormously proud to work in Northumbria Healthcare and I appreciate my job and the colleagues I work alongside. I feel lucky. It is not always an easy job; some days are particularly challenging. However, most days are rewarding.

"My teenage daughters have watched my career progression, they have been inspired to want to work in healthcare, they want to work with people and make a difference."