- Community nurse celebrates completing prestigious leadership development programme
- Florence Nightingale Foundation programme promotes health, improving care and saving lives
- Claire Wright started at Bolton as a Healthcare Assistant in 2014 before becoming District Nurse
One of Bolton’s community nurses is celebrating after completing a prestigious leadership development programme, helping her build confidence, strengthen her leadership skills and connect with healthcare professionals across the country.
After being nominated by her Matron Natalie Davies, Claire Wright was selected by Bolton NHS Foundation Trust’s Chief Nurse, Tyrone Roberts, for the Florence Nightingale Foundation (FNF) programme.
The Florence Nightingale Foundation supports nurses and midwives to promote health, improve care and save lives by enabling access to leadership and development opportunities.
Claire said the experience has had a significant impact on both her professional and personal development.
“Being chosen for the Florence Nightingale Foundation programme was an incredible honour. It has helped me gain confidence in myself and in my role as a District Nurse and Non-Medical Prescriber, while also enhancing my leadership and communication skills.
“One of the biggest benefits was the opportunity to connect with healthcare professionals from across the country. It gave me a real insight into different leadership styles and responsibilities, while showing how we can all work collaboratively to deliver the best possible care for our patients.”
The achievement marks the latest step in an inspiring career journey that began with Bolton NHS Foundation Trust more than a decade ago.
Having joined the Trust as a Healthcare Assistant in 2014, she became part of Bolton’s first Nursing Associate degree cohort, qualifying in 2019. After two years as a Nursing Associate, she returned to university to complete her Registered Nurse qualification before joining the Pikes Lane District Nursing Team.
‘Bolton NHS Foundation Trust has made all of this possible’
Claire credits the support of colleagues and leaders throughout her career for helping her achieve her goals.
“The Trust has always been incredibly supportive of my progression. My Team Leader, Joanne Simpson, has always believed in me and encouraged me to develop. She supported me to apply for the Community Specialist Practitioner and Non-Medical Prescriber course, which I completed in 2025.
“To then be nominated for the Florence Nightingale Foundation programme was another amazing opportunity. Looking back at the young, timid and perhaps naïve 20-year-old Healthcare Assistant who joined the Trust, I feel honoured and privileged to have come this far.
“It’s a real pinch-me moment. Bolton NHS Foundation Trust has made all of this possible by believing in me and investing in my development. I’m incredibly grateful for the encouragement and opportunities I’ve been given throughout my career.”
For the latest opportunities to join the NHS in Bolton, please visit the Trust’s ‘Work for us’ page on their website.
