Helping patients during vulnerable times

Meet Elizabeth Bean, Infection Prevention Nurse at Nuffield Health Woking Hospital.

How long have you been working in healthcare and what was the reason you got into it?

I've been in healthcare since I was 18, starting straight out of school. Training involved long hours on patient wards, which shaped me. I used humour to help patients feel safe during vulnerable times. My early roles were in acute medicine, including medical wards, Intensive Care, and high dependency units.

What do you love about working for Nuffield Health?

I love the camaraderie and support for career development. In my forties, I joined Nuffield Health and worked in the Infection Prevention (IP) team at Woking Hospital. This led to my recognition as one of the ten hospital IP coordinators skilled enough to form a central IP team. Nuffield Health has always supported my learning and personal development.

Have you completed any courses or qualifications whilst working for the hospital?

Yes, after my daughter nearly died of sepsis, I pursued further knowledge in microbiology and infection prevention. At 54,1 became a trained Infection Prevention Nurse at Guildford Nuffield, supported by both Woking and Guildford Nuffield hospitals. Despite the challenges, Nuffield Health provided me with protected time and encouragement.

What does your role involve?

I coordinate infection prevention policies, standards, and guidance to keep staff and patients safe. I support the central IP national lead and maintain high infection prevention standards at Woking Nuffield Hospital. This role reflects my commitment to ensuring safety and quality in patient care.