Barnsley TB nurse becomes regional lead

Barnsley tuberculosis (TB) nurse Beverley Jones, who works with the Trust’s health integration team, has been chosen as the lead nurse for the Yorkshire and Humber TB control board.

The Joint Yorkshire and Humber and North East TB Control Board (YHNE TBCB) was established in September 2015 in response to the national TB strategy that was published by Public Health England and NHS England in January 2015. The strategy has ten key ambitions to make significant advances in TB control which aim to improve access to services and ensure early diagnosis.

As part of the only nurse-led TB service in the region, Beverley will use her experience and knowledge to share the good practice developed in Barnsley on a national level.

She’ll share the role with two other TB nurses who bring different skill sets and expertise. Some of the areas Beverley will advise on include TB in prisons and substance misuse.

Beverley said: “I’m so excited about this opportunity. I was really surprised when I was offered the role as I’ve only been a TB lead in my team for four years, which isn’t as much as some other people. I was really pleased though as I do put a lot of effort into the work we do and I want to really push our service nationally as we’re unique in what we do.

“Taking on this role will hopefully be good for my leadership and development, the whole health integration team, and the service we provide, as you can have much more influence over change and improvements at a national level. I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”