Before recruiting our new JAG Nurse Lead, we wanted to conduct an interview with Sarah Marshall, our current Nurse Lead. Gaining insight into her experience in the role and her perspective on its significance.

What motivated you to take on this role as the nurse lead for JAG?

I've always been passionate about JAG. As an endoscopy nurse prior to JAG, I saw the difference JAG made to patient safety and experience. As a Nurse (technical) assessor for JAG accreditation visits, I applied for the Lead Nurse role to work closer with JAG. It also enabled me to represent the nursing profession within endoscopy, which is another area I’m enthusiastic about, so this combined both interests.

What do you consider to be the main responsibilities of the nurse lead within JAG?

Representing and being the voice for the nursing profession within Endoscopy.

Could you share with us some of the achievements you have had in your role as the nurse lead so far?

Working with Dr Phedra Dodds (clinical lead for JETSW) to mandate parts of ENDO 1 into accreditation. This is a pivotal change to support nurses in accessing essential specialist training in a safety-critical environment. I started in the role as nurse lead during the pandemic and there were many changes, as well as challenges, to support accreditation and to continuously adapt as guidance changed. I learned more about IPC/air changes and AGPs than I ever knew before! I have also worked with IHEEM colleagues to update our decontamination audit tool during and post COVID.

Additionally, I participated in guidelines, GRS updates, biennial census, collaborative working with our four nations colleagues, provided training to units/individuals preparing for accreditation, and made presentations for other stakeholders as required. I have also answered many clinical queries from units and individuals sent to the JAG office, and hopefully, this has helped some along the way!

How do you approach setting and delivering strategies for JAG's accreditation programme?

Working with the leadership team, listen to units/individuals on visits and their feedback directly to JAG, and discuss this in our fortnightly leadership meeting. Additionally, I consider the discussions from the JAG strategy days and committee meetings. Objectives and action points from these meetings need to be worked through with the relevant stakeholders.

Could you share with us any challenges you have faced as the nurse lead, and how you have overcome them?

The COVID pandemic was the biggest challenge for us all, trying to maintain accreditation during the pandemic and support services was certainly a challenge. This role doesn't work in isolation but as part of a team, with supportive JAG management and the super JAG office team.

Sarah Marshall was speaking to Dan Cullinan, Senior Projects Coordinator for JAG