Claire Gwillym

Qualifications

Dip Children's Nursing

Specialisms

• Paediatric Ward Nursing
• Paediatric Safeguarding
• Health Visitor

Introduction

I am currently working as a specialist Community Public Health Nurse who is responsible for supporting “Looked After Children“. Within this role I work closely with other members of the multidisciplinary team such as Social Services, Police, GP’s, Residential Homes, the safeguarding team and many other partners. I care for children 5-18 years to complete their statutory Annual Health assessment, a holistic assessment which aims to support and promote their physical mental and emotional health and well-being. Our aim is to support and safeguard this very vulnerable group of children and young people and to assist them to achieve their full potential. Through my career I have gained skills to communicate and to negotiate. I have good analytical skills and I have the ability to make sound judgements. I have knowledge of clinical governance as it applies to child protection. I have knowledge of risk management. I also have the ability to secure health information from relevant health specialists to inform the process of assessment. Throughout the assessment I would ensure that their individual health needs are met through contact with the GP, dentist, hospital health professionals and the wider multidisciplinary team. I would then create a healthcare plan which would be accessible by the foster parents and any healthcare professionals caring for the child. The follow up process is once a year for a child between 5-18 years old, liaising with the Health Visitor.

I qualified as a health visitor in 2009 and practised until 2022. Part of my role was to deliver an effective health promotion to vulnerable young children and adults, adopting a holistic approach to each individual. Part of my duties included working alongside families from birth to five to identify health needs as early as possible and improve health and well being by promoting a healthy lifestyle to prevent ill health and reduce inequalities. Some of my duties included carrying out health reviews to identify any needs for growth and development including further support.  I would identify risk factors and signs of concern for the child and work with organisations to protect and safeguard children, as well making sure families received support during safeguarding issues. Clinically as a health visitor I was part of baby weight clinics for growth and well being, health promotion clinics and developmental checks for children of 0 - 5 years old.

I qualified as a Children's nurse in 2003. From the commencement of the COVID-19 pandemic I worked on the children's wards caring for children from age 0-18 years old. My clinical duties include a holistic assessment of the child, carrying out general observations, administering medication, including intravenous administration and acting as an advocate for the children. I have maintained practising as a children's nurse on the bank around my current role as a Community Public Health Nurse.

I accept instructions from both claimant and defendant solicitors and insurers. I have undergone formal training in the medico-legal process and am fully aware of my responsibilities under Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) pertaining to expert witnesses.