Introducing our new SCI Nurse Specialist

With nearly 30 years’ experience in NHS settings, Karen Biggs brings a wealth of professional expertise to our new SCI Nurse Specialist role covering the Midlands, as well as personal insight and a passion for the best possible care for SCI people.

“I qualified as a nurse in 1990 and worked on NHS neuro-rehab units for 25 years, initially Linden Lodge in Nottingham and latterly Kings Lodge in Derby, supporting patients with traumatic and acquired brain injury and SCI caused by illness. We also worked closely with the Princess Royal Spinal Unit in Sheffield SCI Centre, where patients were supported by my new colleague Darren and his team.

“Whether brain injury or SCI, the same principles of a patient-centred, 24-hour approach to rehabilitation applied, always with the goal of maximising a person’s independence. But we also worked specifically with SCI patients to work out the bowel and bladder care routines that best suited them, supporting and liaising with the people who would be involved in their care post-discharge.

“I absolutely loved my job – so I always knew I’d only leave if I could find a specialist role where I could make a massive difference to more people. My passion is for the best possible care for SCI people – because I know from a professional and personal perspective what a huge difference the right care and support can make to someone being able to lead a fulfilled life with SCI. In the role with SIA, I hope I can help to extend that care across the Midlands, beyond the specialist centres.”

Karen lives near Derby and will be covering Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Nottinghamshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Leicestershire.

Find out more about our SCI Nurse Specialist Service.

To read more about Karen’s personal motivation for joining us, subscribe to Forward to read her interview in the April issue.