A STUDENT nurse from Burnley met England’s chief nursing officer to discuss her efforts to bring care and compassion to the frontline.

Danielle Gillett is studying for a BSC Hons in adult nursing at Edge Hill University and is on a placement at Aintree University Hospital’s accident and emergency department, in Liverpool.

She met with Jane Cummings, chief nursing officer for England, at the Care and Compassion Conference 2013. The 28-year-old is part of a scheme aimed at encouraging students to share their perspectives, challenge current practices, and share learning with their colleagues.

Danielle is approaching the end of her second year of studies and was appointed student quality ambassador earlier this year She said: “As a quality ambassador, I have the opportunity to go on ward rounds alongside matrons, and I’m able to give my opinion and suggest alternatives based on my first impressions, which is how patients and visitors judge us.

“I love the principle of the role and would advise any student who is passionate and dedicated to patient-centred care to apply to become a student quality ambassador.”

The conference was organised by Aintree University Hospital and Edge Hill University, and saw speakers, including Sir Stephen Moss, ex-chairman of Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, address more than 300 nurses, doctors, junior doctors, health professionals and students.

Jane said: “Listening to discussions at the conference, it’s clear that the six Cs – care, compassion, comp-etence, communication, courage and commitment – are not just shaping NHS organisations’ strategies, but are also being embraced by the frontline NHS staff who are key to giving patients a caring and compassionate experience. I am very confident they will help inspire their colleagues to make sure we are putting care and compassion at the heart of our NHS.”