Two senior nursing leaders in the Mental Health Care Division are encouraging inpatient nursing teams to get involved in research and innovation. Claire Timmons, Associate Director of Nursing and Patient Experience, and Nicola Jones, Assistant Director of Nursing, have both recently become Count In Champions and hope to inspire others to do the same. 

Count Me In is our new approach to making research more accessible to patients and service users. As a Count Me In champion, you can increase your skills and knowledge in research and innovation, join regular meetings and events and even get access to a personalised development programme, launching this summer. Involvement is on your terms, so whether you want to make a few small first steps into research or advance your career to eventually becoming a clinical academic, support is available through the network.

Claire Timmons, Associate Director of Nursing and Patient Experience said:

“Research has been the missing piece in helping us move forward. By embedding research into our practice, this allows us to continually develop and shape the care we provide.

“I’ve become a Count Me In Champion because I’ve seen just how important it is that research becomes part of our clinical practice. I really want to encourage nurses across the division to get involved as research should be part of everyone’s role.

“I understand people may be apprehensive, but by becoming a Count Me In Champion, you can get the support you need to understand the basics and build from there, Research isn’t something to be scared of, it’s something to embrace.”

Nicola Jones, Assistant Director of Nursing added:

“Research gives us the opportunity to really understand the evidence base - what’s working and what isn’t. It helps us shape services so we can improve the overall safety and experience for both patients and our staff.  

“I want to encourage everyone to keep an open mind about research. You can start by thinking about what interests you. Research doesn't have to mean leading a large project. Even small steps can make a big difference.  There’s now so much support available across the Trust, especially through the Count Me In Champions network.”

Get involved

To learn more about what being a Count Me In Champion involves and to sign up, please visit our YourSpace page.