Helen Petulla

NNEB; Foundation Degree in Child Health

Paediatric Nurse

Year Qualified

1980

Clinical Interests

• Outpatients
• Phlebotomy
• Needle phobia

Specialising In

• General Paediatrics

Professional Profile

Helen qualified as a Nursery Nurse in 1980 and began working in the Special Care Baby Unit at Queen Mary’s Hospital in Sidcup.  In 1986 she became a Maternity Nurse and travelled the world looking after new born babies.  1989 brought her back to the UK and she started work at the Portland Hospital in London on the paediatric floor, looking after children from 0-16 years as well as working in the Special Care Baby Unit which was part of the paediatric floor.  In 1991 Helen came to Kent and worked at Buckland Hospital in Dover on the Children’s ward.

In 1996 she went to work in the community as a Health Visitor Assistant, setting up various clinics and undertaking developmental checks on children to ensure they were reaching their milestones.  In 2002 she went back to Buckland Hospital to work with the ward manager in setting up a service for needle phobic children (PITSTOP). In 2006 Helen moved to Dolphin Ward at Kent and Canterbury Hospital to set up blood clinics for children within East Kent and continue to expand the PITSTOP service. She also worked on the ward and in Outpatients.  In 2014 she won the Best Support Worker of the Year award for East Kent Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.  In 2016 she obtained her Foundation Degree in Child Health from Christchurch University, Kent.

Personal Profile

Helen is married and enjoys spending time with her grandchild.  When not at work she loves going on cruises and likes to keep active, going on regular walks with friends and neighbours.

One of her favourite things to do is find new locations to sample their afternoon tea.

Memberships & Associations

• Royal College of Nursing