Why I value my time as a trustee
I have been a BAUN trustee for the past 8 years. I was introduced to the fantastic work the organisation does some 23 years ago when I was a junior nurse within Urology and attended my first BAUN conference.
8 years ago, my lead nurse at the time encouraged me to apply to become a trustee and I haven’t looked back. The first year was extremely daunting, I had no experience of working for a Charitable organisation. However, with the support of the current trustees at the time, I soon found my way and within a year was taking on an executive role as Honorary Secretary.
Being a trustee is certainly different from your day job. Looking back over my last 8 years as a trustee I did not appreciate how this role could positively impact my development and enhance my learning. For me, I have developed skills and knowledge both professionally and personally which include the workings of a professional charitable organisation, chairing and delivering presentations, and how essential it is to network with both national and international colleagues and organisations.
Why I have a passion for urology
My passion for Urology began as a student nurse whilst on a Surgical Placement on the Urology Ward. I had such fantastic mentors on the ward, along with the patients I cared for. Urology is diverse and has many opportunities for learning, development and career progression. I joined the Urology ward at Southend Hospital in 1997 and the rest they say is history!
I have seen many changes in the specialism over the years. I strive to ensure patients receive evidence based high quality care. I am empathetic to individuals needs and appreciate the anxieties patients’ and their relatives experience when attending for hospital appointments.
Biography
Emma Chappel RN Dip HE MSc NMP
Emma qualified as a nurse in 1997 having undertaken her training at The Royal Free Hospital. Later that year she joined Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust as a Staff Nurse on the Urology Ward. Her career progressed to becoming the Ward Manager. In 2008 she was appointed to the role of a Benign Urology Clinical Nurse Specialist.
In 2017 Emma gained an MSc in Health Care Practice qualification. She is also a Non-Medical Prescriber and Nurse Cystoscopist.
Emma moved across to the Urology Oncology Nurse Specialist Team in 2021 and took over the role of Lead Urology Oncology CNS in 2022. Since 2024 she has been the Head of Nursing for Urology across Mid & South Essex Foundation Trust.
Alongside her clinical role, for the past 8 years Emma has been a Trustee for the British Association of Urology Nurses (BAUN) and has served as a part of the Executive Trustee team as Honorary Secretary & Vice President. Her term of Office as President began in November 2024 and runs till November 2026.
During her time as a Trustee, Emma has developed the skills which are pertinent to being a Trustee of a charitable organisation. She has gained a greater appreciation and understanding of the strategic work undertaken by BAUN & the NHS which has been enhanced by attending educational events and by working with other organisations and charities both here in the UK and internationally. Emma has expanded knowledge of how the national healthcare agenda impacts our services and how imperative it is to have effective business planning skills. All skills and knowledge gained have been pertinent to her clinical role and that of a Trustee.
In 2024 Emma was also appointed as Prostate Cancer Clinical Champion.
Emma’s passion for Urological patients and their families drives her to make difference.