Alison joined Gadsby Wicks in 2024 as a Nurse Adviser, bringing over 40 years of experience as a registered nurse and midwife.
As the first point of contact for new clients, Alison uses her significant medical knowledge to understand their situation and advise on the validity of their claim. Empathetic, systematic and patient, Alison ensures every potential client's case is well-presented to our solicitors.
Why did you become a Nurse Adviser?
After several decades working in the NHS, I had reached a point where I needed to leave. I could no longer perform my job to my previous standards, but at the same time I was not ready to retire. It was difficult to let go of a lifelong career and qualification that I had worked so hard for, and I wanted to continue to use my knowledge and experience in a meaningful, helpful way.
What is your medical background?
I qualified as a Registered General Nurse (RGN) in 1980. After four years, I became a Registered Midwife, which I practiced both in a hospital and community setting until my retirement in 2023.
During this time, I also achieved my ENB 997 Mentoring, Teaching and Assessing Certificate in 1990, and my NIPE (Newborn Infant Physical Examination) Certificate in 2013.
What motivated you to join Gadsby Wicks?
I knew nothing about Gadsby Wicks before applying for this role, but found out about this opportunity from a mutual friend who worked here. While researching the firm before my interview, I was hugely impressed with their track record and standards, and I am so glad I was chosen for this opportunity.
This is my first role within the legal profession and I have never been happier going to work every day. From day one I have felt welcomed by everyone on the team and that I fit in well. The working environment is very healthy and productive, with everyone supporting one another to achieve the best results.
What are your responsibilities at Gadsby Wicks?
As Nurse Adviser, I am the first point of contact for potential new clients when they enquire about making a claim. I listen to their complaints and concerns, obtaining as much information as possible, which I then pass onto our solicitors so they can decide whether to investigate their claim.
Often, a potential client presents me with an issue that is not the actual root cause of their problem. This is where my medical knowledge comes into play, enabling me to read between the lines and know what questions to ask to fill in any gaps. This can make a significant difference to the decision made by our solicitors.
What qualities make you an effective Nurse Adviser?
I enjoy listening and speaking to people, and consider myself very patient. I take a systematic, methodical approach to my work, treating every potential claim with great attention to detail. I am also an empathetic person, and have undertaken some counselling training, which has helped me in this role.
I spent most of my career in midwifery, so this is my specialist area. However, I have a broad knowledge of general medicine, which gives me a good foundation when looking at other areas of clinical negligence. Furthermore, I firmly believe you are never too old to learn, and I am never afraid to ask for help or advice if I'm unsure about something.
In the NHS, I was told my colleagues appreciated that I always went the extra mile for my patients and students.
What do you find fulfilling about your role?
Throughout my career and life, I have always sought to be nurturing and caring from a clinical, scientific perspective, which is why I enjoyed such a long career in the NHS. My role at Gadsby Wicks has allowed me to continue using my knowledge, skills and experience to help people affected by medical negligence start their path to justice, which I'm so fortunate for.
What do you do outside of Gadsby Wicks?
Outside of Gadsby Wicks, I am part of a social group of retired midwives, a member of Skylark Church, and part of an all-women's pub quiz team. In addition, I have done a skydive to raise money for pancreative cancer research, and supported my partner who entered the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest-distance Conga Dance, raising money for a local hospice.
