Iona McKay

Qualifications

MSc, PG (Cert) Advanced Clinical Practice, BSc (Hons), ENB 8870, ENB 8A29, ENB DO1, RGN

Specialisms

• Care Home Nurse Specialist

Introduction

I qualified as a registered general nurse in 1991, and I currently work as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner within a General Practice that also provides care to 12 local care homes. I provide care to patients in the surgery on a daily basis and also support to the staff and residents within the care homes.

Prior to this, I worked as a Care Home Manager in the private sector and before that worked as Lead Nurse for Dementia at the Golden Jubilee Hospital in Glasgow.

This job involved offering education and training for all members of staff to ensure that the care delivered to those with dementia meets the standards as set out in the Scottish National Dementia Strategy for Acute Care. I worked in this job part time and linked with the Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Nurse Consultant network. In addition to this job, I remained part time in a clinical role as a Clinical Services Manager for a large private care home that offered care for those with dementia and also frail elderly. This was a clinical support role for all members of staff to ensure that the highest standards of care are delivered in line with the Scottish Care Inspectorate Standards of care. These two part time posts meant that I worked within the NHS and private sector.

Prior to commencing in the above posts, I worked for 6 years with a team of 13 care home nurse specialists who offered a nurse triage service for the Glasgow Nursing Homes Medical Practice, a designated GP practice that looks after care home residents in Greater Glasgow as a locally enhanced service. I looked after six nursing homes in the north and west of the city and as well as triage, I offered advice and support to the nursing home staff, by way of clinical supervision and education days for palliative care, catheter care, wound care and nutritional support, in conjunction with the care homes services dietician, in order to improve practice within the care homes. I also offered ongoing support with chronic disease management where required. These skills were all transferable to the jobs I have moved onto since. Before returning to this clinical role, I managed a dementia unit within a private care home for 2 years.

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 the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) pertaining to Expert Witnesses.

Professional Education
2012    MSc Advanced Nursing Practice, University of Dundee
2010    PG (Cert) Advanced Clinical Practice, University of West Scotland
2009    Nurse Independent / Supplementary Prescriber
2004    BSc (Hons) (Open), Upper Second Class, Open University
2003    Principles of Care Management for the Patient with Chronic Heart Failure - Level 3, Glasgow Caledonian     University
2002    ENB Certificate 8870: An Understanding to the Application of Research
2002    ENB Certificate 8A29: Learning through Reflection on Experience
2002    K302: Critical Practice in Health and Social Care, Open University
2002    Clinical Leadership Development Programme, Greater Glasgow Primary Care Trust
2001    ENB Certificate DO1: Promoting Health: Skills, Perspective and Practice
1997    Nutrition and Health - Level II, University of Paisley
1996    NBS Professional Studies Part II - Cardiac Critical Care Nursing, Glasgow Caledonian University
1996    NBS Professional Studies Part I - Communication and Interpersonal Skills, Glasgow College of Nursing and Midwifery 
1993    NBS Professional Studies Part I - Learning, Teaching and Counselling, Glasgow College of Nursing and Midwifery
1991    Registered General Nurse Training, Glasgow South College of Nursing