Joy Anderson is the modern matron for the Adult Intensive Care Unit (AICU). She joined the National Heart Hospital in 1984 and has been with the Royal Brompton Hospital since. During her time here, she did take a short break of one year to do nursing in Saudi Arabia.

Tell us about your role as a modern matron

My role as a modern matron is part managerial and part clinical. I also have a much higher profile within the Trust. I am a firm supporter of traditional values, so think that it is a great thing that this role has been re-established in the NHS.

What is the best thing about working in AICU?

Working in intensive care is extremely dynamic and I enjoy the ebb and flow of the environment. I am fortunate to be able to work with a dedicated and professional team. Our department is at the leading edge of new technology, continuing to evolve and grow in this dynamic environment.

And the downside?

I enjoy the fast pace of the department, however the downside is working very long hours. I get in early so that I can catch up with the night shift, starting my day as early as 6:30 am, and I am usually still here at 9pm.

What is your team like?

Our team is very diverse culturally and we have nurses from many different countries working for the department. Working in AICU is very pressurised as our patients need an extremely high level of care.  Therefore we do have a high turnover of staff. Part of my role is supporting and training the nursing staff and encouraging mutual respect among the team.

How do you minimise the risk of the spread of hospital acquired infections such as MRSA?

By encouraging staff, visitors and visiting consultants to adhere to the hand washing policy, as well as undertaking all necessary infection control practices. All medical staff wear disposable gloves and aprons and follow rules about dress. For example, sleeves are to be worn above the elbows and men have to tuck in ties and remove jackets. We carry out regular infection control audits and also have strict procedures in place for disposing of waste to protect patients and staff from cross contamination.

We are lucky to have extremely low rates of infections at Royal Brompton and one factor is that we don’t have an accident and emergency department. We screen all patients and if any are found to have an infection, they are nursed in isolation.

What motivates you?

Our patients are very vulnerable and I reflect on how I’d like to be treated myself if I were in their situation. This fuels me to provide the highest possible level of care for all our patients and to make life as easy for them as possible. I’m also motivated by coaching junior staff and enjoy seeing them progress.