International visitors at Derriford

Four Japanese healthcare representatives have been given a tour of Derriford Hospital following an invitation from one of the staff.

The visit was prompted after an event last year organised by the Japanese STD Society with support from Tokyo University. At the conference, in Japan, Nursing Unit Manager of Sexual Health in Plymouth (SHiP) at Derriford Hospital, Colin Roberts, presented two papers and a workshop on sexual health in the UK, focusing on clinical competence and the role of the nurse in advanced sexual health practice.

He said: “I met two of the visitors last year and my offer of ongoing support was accepted through hosting this visit. I am delighted that they accepted my invitation to visit us in Plymouth as especially the nurse led services that SHiP carry out. They were especially keen to learn more about our community outreach, notably at The Zone with young people. ”

The guests from Japan included Mutsuko Watarai, Associate Professor of Nursing Tokyo Healthcare University and public health nurse of Yamagata. Her specialty is sexually-transmitted infection prevention, the education of adolescent mind and body, development of the sex education teaching materials.

Also on the tour was Dr Chika Shirai, Director of Public Health, Health and Welfare Bureau of Kobe City, and two medical students interested in public health and epidemiology.

Dr Shirai commented that: “I am amazed at the work advanced practice nurses are allowed to do here in the UK; in Japan nurses work under our (the doctors) direction with limited input.”

Michael Ellis Tissue Viability Matron also participated in the visit showcasing the Trust-widerole that he and his team have managing and advising on tissue viability. Ms Watarai said, “I cannot imagine a nurse in Japan having this role, advising doctors.”

Ms Watarai was keen to learn more about the educational preparation for advanced nursing practice in the United Kingdom as previous attempts to introduce similar roles in Japan had not worked. She observed: “There are many specialist roles for nurses here and I understand that in sexual health the education programmes are national which is very good.”

Ms Wararai shared her sexual health work with primary school children that focuses on relationships and respect, showing that being a loving person is important for life.
The day concluded with Colin and Michael hosting the guests for dinner in Plymouth, prior to their return to London.

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