Julie received an Excellence Award for Transplant Coordinators and Allied Health Professionals from the Paediatric Heart Transplant Society (PHTS) – an international multidisciplinary, professional and collaborative organisation dedicated to advancing the science and treatment of children through the journey of heart transplant.
As nurse transplant specialists she and her colleagues look after young patients after they have had heart and/ or lung transplant surgery and build strong, life long relationships as they watch them grow up and transition from children’s to adult services.
Julie was nominated for the award by her colleagues including colleague Terry Hewitt, and is described as a “highly motivated, devoted and committed transplant nurse specialist who has served the transplant community for 36 years and is still going.”
Terry says “I can’t think of anyone else better deserving the PHTS Excellence Award than Julie for her dedication and selflessness throughout her career in transplantation and continuous motivation of all members including myself.
“Her positive attitude and demeanour with the patients is simply admirable and it is a privilege to have Julie in the team.”
Her nomination highlights how Julie has made countless journeys around the country to support families, all whilst developing a new role and ensuring its goals were met saying “Families of transplanted children describe Julie as their best friend.”
Julie’s bond with transplantation began at the same time when Kaylee Davidson-Olley became the first baby in the UK to have a successful heart transplant on 14 October 1987 at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital.
Her curiosity, skills and knowledge have steadily grown ever since.
Julie’s nomination describes how whilst working with transplant patients on the hospital ward she identified their need for more support when at home and put forward a case for a completely new role as a Transplant Nurse Specialist.
This new role would be dedicated to educating patients and their families as well as medical and nursing staff, family doctors, and other professionals involved in the patient’s care regarding transplant related issues and to provide a key contact for advice and support. The need was recognised and Julie started her new role in 2004.”
Julie has carried out a number of presentations at both national and international conferences and due to her dedication, constant development and love for transplant has helped transplant patients to live better lives and survive longer.
Colleagues say there are countless patients and families that Julie has supported over the years with advice or she was simply a shoulder to cry on. She has worked beyond the call of duty to ensure patients’ needs could be met.
Julie is highly regarded throughout the hospital and her love for the field and drive to learn and improve with numerous accomplishments is there for all to see. Although semi-retired, she continues to work on developing the service and has written a number of policies, guidance and protocols which she regularly updates.
The Paediatric Heart Transplant Society (PHTS)
Today a total of 62 transplant centres all contribute to the society but the Freeman Hospital was the first centre outside the North America to join the collaborative effort. It was Julie’s dedication to her role which made this possible by submitting data in addition to her clinical duties.
Julie says “The PHTS is a great organisation supporting families throughout their transplant journey. The submission of anonymised data about the experience and outcomes of paediatric heart transplantation is incredibly important given the relatively small numbers of transplants that take place around the world. In fact Newcastle is one of the most active centres carrying out between 15 and 20 a year.
She adds “Whilst it’s a lot of hard work is really important for all of us in this field to submit and share as much information as possible. It’s through this collaborative approach that we can develop the best, most effective care for children after transplant as well as stimulating clinical research and helping us to promote awareness of the life-changing impact of paediatric transplantation.”
Of receiving the award Julie said it feels a bit surreal “I just do what I do – I don’t feel like I’m anything special. I’ve been lucky enough to work in the field of transplantation since it all started in 1987 and I feel privileged to have meet so many amazing children and families over the years.”
She adds “I’ve seen and been a part of many changes and developments and seen the team grow from just myself to four to meet the changing needs of our patients which has been so satisfying to see.”
Congratulations Julie!
