There are a whole team of people who work behind the scenes at Glasgow Memory Clinic – an Independent Research Organisation dedicated to conducting a range of clinical trials to find better treatments for those with Memory Impairment, Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia.
From finance to reception and admin staff, doctors, nurses and psychologists, everyone works towards the same goal – to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Here’s what Deputy Charge Nurse, Ann Nimmo had to say about working for Glasgow Memory Clinic:
Q: What was your background before joining Glasgow Memory Clinic?
A: (Ann): I have a background in psychiatric nursing and qualified in 1989. I trained as a staff nurse at Lanarkshire College of Nursing and Midwifery. In 1992, I left the NHS to move into the private sector. I worked for five years in Brain Injury and Rehabilitation then took up a more senior roll in Elderly Care.
After a long spell as a Unit Sister I moved on to the training sector working for SQA and teaching SVQ Level 2 and 3 to individuals from under privileged areas to help them get back into the working sector. During this time, I also became qualified as an Internal Verifier for SQA and a Verifier and Trainer for First Aid and HIV/AIDS awareness.
I missed the hands-on side of Nursing and went back to Elderly Care as a Unit Manager in a 32 bed Care Unit for people with challenging behaviours. The Director of Nursing already knew Dr Inglis and thought I may be suited to a part time role at Glasgow Memory Clinic. I started off working two days a week day release and then took up a full-time position six months later – that was 15 years ago!
Q: Describe a typical day for you?
A: (Ann): A typical day involves undertaking copious amounts of Memory and Cognitive Assessments with both subjects and family members. Health Style and Behaviour questionnaires are becoming more frequently requested.
My duties include responding to emails and phone calls, completing paperwork and managing the electronic capture and flow of data for various visits. I oversee the processing labs and carry out ECGs, blood pressure checks and genetic swabs. I also co-ordinate visits and appointments with outside vendors such as MRI and PET Scanning Centres, Ophthalmologists and Dermatologists.
Q: What has been your biggest challenge since joining Glasgow Memory Clinic?
A: (Ann): Every day is a learning experience and each day is a new challenge!
Q: What has been your biggest professional success/achievement?
A: (Ann): I love the feeling of going home, satisfied you have added to someone else’s day.
Q: What is your favourite thing about working for Glasgow Memory Clinic?
A: (Ann): This would have to be the people I work with and the clients I see on a regular basis – you build up some very strong relationships.
Q: What do you do to relax/unwind?
A: (Ann): I love getting away for some sunshine – who doesn’t right? I also enjoy Horse Racing especially in York. The Knavesmire in York is my favourite track to visit – I’m always lucky there!
Q: What’s the best piece of work related or personal advice you have received?
A: (Ann): Find your niche, work hard and accept constructive feedback – there’s always room for improvement. There’s nothing you’re not good at – it’s just there are some things you’re better at and there’s some that require more work. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
Q: What would you say to someone who has never considered getting involved with a clinical trial?
A: (Ann): Volunteering is a personal thing, but we wouldn’t be where we are today in medicine if people didn’t volunteer for clinical trials. It’s the sole reason we have Penicillin, immunisation’s and treatments for Cancer and HIV.
People who volunteer for trials are special in their own way – they don’t always see a direct benefit for themselves, but they want to do something worthwhile and positive for future generations to come.