Maria Pickford

Maria has worked in secondary care since qualifying as a Paediatric Nurse in 2004. Her most recent role in secondary care was within the paediatric respiratory team, where she supported spirometry clinics and served as the lead nurse for sleep diagnostics and behavioural sleep clinics.

In 2023, Maria transitioned into primary care and has since gained valuable experience as a General Practice Nurse (GPN). She currently divides her time between her role as Project Support Coordinator at the Staffordshire Training Hub and her position as Spirometry Champion for North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent through the SSOT ICB.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Maria’s recent work has been developing and supporting an innovative project that facilitates pre-registration student nurse placements within primary care. With an ageing workforce and ongoing challenges around recruitment and retention, Maria is passionate about highlighting the critical role of general practice nurses and promoting primary care as a dynamic and attractive first-destination career.

As the first student cohort nears completion, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Practices, Primary Care Networks (PCNs), and Facilitators are already observing the project’s impact—not only in how students perceive and value general practice nursing, but also in the meaningful contributions students have made during their placements. In addition, the students have gained valuable insight into the wider determinants of health, the needs of local communities, and the vital services available to support them.

Maria looks forward to sharing the team’s hybrid placement model and the valuable insights gained through this initiative.