Sister Catherine Feeney RGN

Nurse Consultant

I am a Nurse Consultant working in the Nationally-Commissioned Mitochondrial Service. I take an active role in the planning of service provision, developing care pathways and patient and public engagement activities.

I continually strive to improve patient experience and incorporate innovative practice. I have implemented a tele-health service to reduce clinic times and increase accessibility, without compromising quality and have extended my nursing role to include revision of the needle muscle biopsy service, streamlining the referral pathway, to ensure sustainability and transitioning to a nurse-led service. I provide direct patient care and consultation with my own case load in the mitochondrial MDT clinic. In addition I provide expert advice and consultancy to patients, carers and colleagues within the specialist area, as well as locally and nationally through telephone clinics and helpline service.

In the absence of curative treatments for mitochondrial disease, I also support the research activity in the department by leading and facilitating studies and focus groups to better understand the disease, develop new therapeutic strategies and improve patient care.

I qualified as a nurse in 1990 and have worked at the RVI for most of my nursing career, predominantly within Neurosciences. I developed an interest in mitochondrial disease whilst working on the Neurology ward caring for patients and families coping with complex physical and emotional needs. Their strength and determination to overcome disabilities and assist the clinical team in trying to find new treatments and cures has been an inspiration to me.

http://www.newcastle-mitochondria.com/sister-catherine-feeney/