Fifth generation ‘keeps learning’

Research shows that learning new skills can boost self-confidence, raise self-esteem and help you to connect with others.

Cheshire West and Chester Council continues to support the five ways to wellbeing during the pandemic, with one of the themes focusing on ‘keep learning.’

Frodsham resident, Claire Maidment and her family are doing just that, with five generations choosing nursing as their profession.  Working as a Nurse Consultant at Cheshire and Wirral Partnership’s (CWP) Starting Well 0-19 Service, Claire’s role supports children and families in the borough through a partnership programme with the Council.

Claire has worked in nursing for 30 years, following in the footsteps of her great grandmother, grandmother and mother.  Claire’s daughter, Olivia is continuing this trend, when she commences her studies in Mental Health Nursing at the University of Chester in September.

Claire adds “My great grandmother and grandmother were both nurses in Chester during the first and second World Wars and my great grandmother even set up a Nightingale Ward at Eaton Hall in Chester, where she nursed soldiers, returning from the frontline. 

“It’s hard to believe, just over one hundred years later, the UK would be setting up Nightingale Hospitals to meet a very different challenge.”

Claire has progressed within her role and been recognised for her work in nursing by receiving a Silver Award, by chief nursing officer for NHS England, Ruth May, for her work leading the Family Nurse Partnership.  Being heavily involved in the Children’s Trust ‘new ways of working’ programme, where Cheshire West and Chester Council is a key partner, Claire has been part of developing a common and consistent way of working for everyone who works with children and families in Cheshire West and Chester.

Gary Flockhart, Director of Nursing, Therapies and Patient Partnership at CWP – whose wife is a mental health nurse and son, a third-year nursing student – said: “Claire’s compassion and person-centred approach to care have been vital for the development of this work and in support of so many local families.

“Her role continues to make an enormous difference during the pandemic, with both CWP and Cheshire West and Chester Council being part of the Children’s Trust and Safeguarding Children’s Parentship joint Covid-19 Recovery work for children, young people and adults living in the borough.”  

Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health at Cheshire West and Chester Council, Councillor Val Armstrong adds “It’s lovely to hear Claire’s story and see her own self-development over her 30 years in the nursing profession.

“She has cared for so many people and continued to learn and adapt to change, especially during the pandemic, to continue to support those in need. Keeping the mind active and setting goals is great for our overall wellbeing.  Continued learning through life enhances self-esteem and encourages social interaction and a more active life.

“This is what Claire, her mother, grandmother and great grandmother have done and Claire’s daughter is now looking at her next goal to train to be a nurse. I admire the work that all our health and care services are providing, and we will continue to show our appreciation to our key workers.” 

For more information on keep learning and some top tips, go to Live Well Cheshire West.

Go to Cheshire West Libraries for online resources.

Pictured - Olivia and Claire Maidment