Patients and staff suffering domestic violence can be offered support when at Teesside-based healthcare trust – thanks to a new independent domestic violence advocate.
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust welcomed advocate Nicola Murphy in September – her role involves a signposting and support service, raising awareness of domestic abuse and education sessions for staff across the organisation.
Nicola has been employed by Harbour for just over two years, and provided outreach services in Durham before moving to Stockton to work alongside the trusts adult safeguarding team.
Nicola said: “My role is to support both patients and staff who may be experiencing domestic abuse and I can offer my help from the moment a referral comes through.
“Any patient who receives care within our hospitals can receive an instant intervention where I will work to confidentially refer them on to Harbour and other appropriate services.
“I can also work with staff members where they or their line manager, may have agreed to be referred on to my service.”
Harbour is a charity that works with families and individuals across the Tees Valley who are affected by abuse from a partner, former partner or family member.
Nicola said: “Sometimes domestic violence or abuse can be an underlying cause for a visit into hospital and it may be that a patient has never had the opportunity to disclose this to anyone before.
“Being based within the trust setting is worthwhile, as it means I can quickly make a difference and provide that intervention.”
Nicola has been making her way around the organisation to introduce herself to colleagues, to help raise awareness of her service and to highlight what help she can provide to patients and staff. An important part of her role is to ensure that staff gain a wider knowledge of abuse and are comfortable in noticing possible signs and how to refer into her service.
Nicola continues: “I’m passionate about my role and in being able to be that safety net for patients and staff. I work with some great people and the job is massively rewarding when you know you have helped to make a positive difference.
“It’s important to continue to raise awareness and to break taboos – working with colleagues to ensure we are doing our collective best for our patients and staff.
“If a patient would like support, I want them to know that the door is always open. You don’t have to accept that support, but you can have a conversation with me in the strictest confidence and I’m here should you ever need it.”
If you need confidential support, help or advice, Nicola can be contacted at [email protected] through the adult safeguarding team [email protected] or by phone on 07973 764297.