#TeamNorthMid blogs

 

“Embracing diversity enables me to advocate for equitable care and to provide holistic support that addresses their needs, both as patients and as individuals, on their journey to better health.”

 

Words by Albin Bendiola

 

Hello, my name is, Albin Bendiola, I am a paediatric haemoglobinopathy clinical nurse specialist.  I am very pleased to be part of #ThisIsMe blog.

At an early age, I have always wanted to work in a healthcare setting. I was deeply inspired by the way my parents cared for my siblings and me, especially during times when we were unwell. Their gentle reminders to take our medicines, the care shown through sponge baths when we were down with fever, my mother’s encouragement to eat and stay hydrated, and the soothing words to make us feel comfortable - all these expressions of love and care left a lasting impression on me. Suffice to say that this nurturing environment inspired me to also care for others.

 

At that time, the nursing profession was predominantly female, and as a man entering training, I was breaking societal norms. However, these stereotypes didn’t deter me from pursuing nursing; from a young age, I knew it was my calling. I completed my training in the Philippines, earning a bachelor’s degree in general nursing - the only training option available then. During my studies, I found my true passion in my paediatric placements. I always knew I wanted to work in paediatrics, and when I was fortunate enough to receive a job offer at a Tertiary Paediatric Centre, my early desire to care for others solidified into a lifelong passion.

 

I have experience across a range of specialties, including Neonatal Intensive care unit (NICU)/ Paediatric intensive care unit (PICU), Accident and Emergency, paediatric surgery, cardiology, and nephrology, where I advanced to the role of Head Nurse. However, my most challenging role was in the Haematology-Oncology Ward. Beyond the complexities of managing chronic conditions like Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease, the scarcity of resources often exacerbated these challenges. Additionally, limited parental involvement and empowerment in care decisions presented further obstacles to providing individualised, patient-centred care.

 

After migrating to the United Kingdom., I completed my conversion course with the Nursing Midwifery Council to qualify as a Registered Sick Children’s Nurse. My journey led me to specialise as a Paediatric Haemoglobinopathy Nurse, where I witnessed significant improvements in patient outcomes. Along the way, I also noticed disparities in care quality and treatment options across different NHS Trusts. Having worked within three large NHS Trusts, I was fortunate to implement innovative practices, such as introducing Apheresis for children with Sickle Cell disease at North Middlesex Hospital. North Middlesex Trust’s openness to innovation has provided a supportive platform for advancing quality care and service development

 

I was once a member of the B Positive Choir, a group composed of individuals with sickle cell disease and those caring for sickle cell patients. Our primary mission was to raise awareness and to save lives by encouraging blood donation.

 

Diversity is at the heart of my role as a Sickle Cell Specialist Nurse, particularly because I work closely with children belonging to ethnic minorities, who are disproportionately affected by this condition. To provide the best possible care, I need to understand not just the medical aspects of their treatment, but also the cultural, social, and historical factors that influence their health experiences. By recognising and respecting these influences, I can offer care that is both clinically effective and culturally appropriate. By embracing diversity in my practice, I can help break down these barriers brought by the stigma of having sickle cell disease, ensuring that the families feel heard and valued. It also allows me to foster trust and build strong, compassionate relationships with both the children and their families. Ultimately, embracing diversity enables me to advocate for equitable care and to provide holistic support that addresses their needs, both as patients and as individuals, on their jour ney to better health.

 

 

The most rewarding aspect of my job is the opportunity to be an instrument for change, improving health outcomes for children with Sickle Cell disease. I successfully introduced Apheresis treatment for these children, which yielded benefits such as prevention of severe complications, less risks for infection compared to conventional treatment, less treatment sessions, which decreased hospital visits, resulting to improved school attendances for these children. The overall satisfaction expressed by both children and parents has been immensely fulfilling. This project won the Nursing Times award under the category of Managing Long-term Conditions. This was also presented as a Quality Improvement project at the Royal College of Paediatrics in Child Health Conference. Moreover, I was invited to talk in Nordic countries and showcased the kind of Haemoglobinopathy service we have in North Middlesex, I published an article in Nursing times Magazine, and I was also featured in the independent nurse magazine in their career profile section.

 

The worst part or I would say most challenging aspect of this calling is maintaining a strong focus on the Paediatric Sickle Cell service and ensuring it remains a priority on the broader agenda. This service does not receive the same level of attention as larger services, such as cancer care and other health disorder. I wish there were greater awareness within the health sector and among the public, as increased support would truly be invaluable.

 

I envision growth in this role by fostering networking and collaboration with various London Trusts to ensure a seamless service for all patients across different catchment areas, thereby reducing inequalities in care. This approach will also facilitate the dissemination of information and education regarding new research and technologies for everyone involved in Paediatric Sickle Cell services.

 

Even in retirement, I will still aspire to work in areas where healthcare is challenging to access and resources are limited. My experiences in such settings have been deeply rewarding, allowing me to innovate and think creatively to meet patients' needs. This noble service not only brings me fulfilment but also represents my commitment to serving others. I believe this dedication will remain with me long after I hang up my uniform.

 

This is me, Albin Bendiola, your Paediatric Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia warrior.

We thank Albin for taking part in our #ThisIsMe blog series which focuses on the incredible diversity of our workforce across North Mid, beyond the usual protected characteristics of age, disability, ethnicity, religious beliefs, gender, sex, and sexual orientation.

Please help us encourage colleagues to do the same by sharing this post.

Feel free to share any feedback or comments. If you wish to share your own story or think you know colleagues who might want to share their experiences about diversity, please contact our communications team @northmid.comms@nhs.net.