St Mark’s authors write book
One of the UK’s leading colorectal nurses has highlighted the importance of nurses and surgeons working more closely with one another to improve continuity of care.
Nurse Consultant Zarah Perry-Woodford - one of only three pouch nurses in the UK - has illustrated the point by co-authoring a book with colorectal surgeon Mr Janindra Warusavitarne.
It is the second collaboration between the pair who have worked alongside one another at St Marks Hospital for more than a decade.
The Ileoanal Pouch - a practical guide for surgery, management and troubleshooting includes 33 contributions from fellow specialists around the globe providing a repository of the best advice and guidance.
Zarah said: “Patients interaction with surgeons is largely confined to the technical aspects of their condition. There is a whole journey beyond that where nurses come into their own because this type of surgery is life changing and nurses can bridge these gaps.
The book took a year to complete and reflected the global community of colorectal experts who met at various conferences around the world.
Janindra said: “We make a good team and Zarah is very disciplined about meeting deadlines. I was recovering from a heart attack during part of the editing process but she still came round to make sure I was doing my bit.”
Zarah added: “There are several contributions from nurses which is good because their contribution is considerable when it comes to listening to patients’ experiences and translating into better care.”