Qualification success for Nursing Associates

1st October 2025

Acorns Children’s Hospice is marking the success of its Nursing Associates, with several team members completing their qualifications and making a significant impact on children’s hospice care. This training scheme helps us tackle nursing shortages and long-term challenges in children’s hospice care.

In Worcester, Nickie Ford and Catherine Smith have both successfully qualified. Their dedication and enthusiasm throughout the course were evident, and both expressed how much they enjoyed the learning journey.

Major milestones

Meanwhile in Birmingham, three more colleagues have reached major milestones. Louise Burrows not only qualified but did so with distinction, while Maria Ali also successfully completed her training – while becoming a proud mum – and is looking forward to graduating in January.

Michelle Parkes is now submitting her final assignment and poster. She is expected to qualify soon and hopes to graduate alongside Maria in January.

Louise said: “Completing the course has been an invaluable opportunity for me to grow from my role as a Health Care Assistant into a Nursing Associate. Since finishing, I’ve really noticed the impact of my learning and how it has shaped both my professional practice and the way I understand care.

“My external placements gave me exposure to a wide range of experiences, which broadened my perspective. I now feel I can offer even more to the children and families at Acorns, which is at the heart of why I wanted to take on this challenge.”

Acorns Clinical Practice Educator Jamie Wyton has worked closely with the Birmingham trainees praised their transformation.

Jamie said: “Their commitment, enthusiasm, and willingness to embrace the hard work required of a Nursing Associate is inspiring, and it reflects the potential of this pathway to strengthen the future of children’s hospice care.

“The success of this group underlines the growing value of the Nursing Associate role within Acorns. As the charity looks to the future, it is clear that this pathway is not only nurturing compassionate, skilled professionals but also strengthening the sustainability of care for children and families across the region.

“Through my fortnightly meetings with the university, I was genuinely overwhelmed by the outstanding feedback they received – both academically and professionally. It was incredibly positive to hear how well they are progressing, and it reinforced what I have seen day to day in their practice.

“I believe their success highlights just how valuable the Nursing Associate role is to Acorns. It not only develops skilled and compassionate professionals but also helps us to build a sustainable workforce that will benefit the children and families we care for, both now and in the future.”

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for babies, children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions, and support for their families.

In the past year, the charity has cared for more than 780 children across the West Midlands, and supported over 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved. Children visit Acorns for rehabilitative respite, symptom management, emergency and end-of-life care.

This care and support is provided from Acorns three hospices, based in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, and in the community.

Acorns needs around £35,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with more than 70% of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community.

Join Acorns fight to save the Children’s Hospice Grant. Pledge your support at savethegrant.com now!