Your Advocate in Rehabilitation

Hello, my name is Bernadette Tobin, and I am delighted to introduce myself as a newly appointed Nurse Case Manager with the multi-award-winning Circle Case Management team.

Having spent over 20 years in nursing, and more than a decade practicing at an advanced level, I am now bringing all my skills, passion, and experience into the world of case management.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

I am available for instructions across Essex and the surrounding areas, and I am truly excited to begin this new chapter where I can help clients and their families on their rehabilitation journey.

My Journey into Nursing and Case Management

For as long as I can remember, I have been deeply passionate about people – understanding their needs, supporting their healing, and making a difference in the moments that matter most. This passion naturally led me to nursing more than 20 years ago.

Over the years, I have worked across a wide range of primary care and community settings, gaining not only hands-on experience but also insight into the many challenges people face when their health changes suddenly and dramatically.                                                                                                                                                                                                           

More than 10 years ago, I decided to further my career and undertook advanced practice qualifications. This step gave me the opportunity to lead services, provide complex assessments, and work alongside multidisciplinary teams to improve care pathways for patients. My drive has always been centred around one thing: enhancing the patient experience. Whether someone is recovering from injury, adjusting to life with a long-term condition, or navigating the complicated health and social care systems, my belief has always been that small things can make a big difference.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           This guiding philosophy has brought me to where I am today – stepping into the role of Nurse Case Manager with Circle Case Management, where I can dedicate myself fully to supporting P) their families, and their rehabilitation journeys.

Why Case Management Matters to Me

When someone is at their most vulnerable, what they need is not just medical care – they need an advocate.

They need someone who understands their injuries, conditions, and treatment options, but who also appreciates their emotional world, their family’s concerns, and their goals for the future. All too often, patients and families don’t know where to turn.  They don’t know who to ask, or even what questions need to be asked.

That is where I step in.

My role is to be their voice, their support system, and their guide. My role is to make sure they never feel alone in what can otherwise be an overwhelming process. I see case management as more than a service. For me, it is about becoming P’s person – someone they can trust, rely on, and confide in. It is about spending time to really understand who they are, not only in terms of their clinical needs but also their emotional, social, and personal needs. This allows me to build a care and rehabilitation plan that is meaningful, achievable, and truly tailored to the individual.

The Benefits of Instructing a Nurse Case Manager

I know that many people wonder: why instruct a Nurse Case Manager specifically, and what difference does a nursing background bring?

Having worked as a nurse in primary and community care, and later as an advanced practice nurse, I can confidently say that the skillset I bring is both unique and valuable.  

                                                                                                         Here are some of the key benefits:

Clinical Knowledge and Holistic Understanding. As a nurse, I am trained to look beyond a diagnosis. I understand not just the medical condition, but also the psychological, emotional, and social impact it can have. My holistic approach ensures that I see the bigger picture and plan care that is person-centred rather than task-driven.

Advanced Assessment Skills. My advanced practice qualifications mean I can carry out complex clinical assessments, interpret results, and make informed decisions. This is crucial in case management, where early recognition of issues can prevent setbacks and speed up recovery.

Experience in Community and Primary Care. Having worked in the community, I know what it takes to help people live well at home. I understand the importance of independence, mobility, and social interaction. I know the local services, resources, and therapies available, and I can connect clients to the right support quickly.

Strong Advocacy. Many clients feel lost when dealing with healthcare systems, benefits, or therapies. As a nurse, I have always been an advocate for my patients, and as a case manager, this advocacy becomes even more powerful. I am here to fight for the best possible outcomes and ensure that clients are not just heard, but acted upon.

Therapeutic Knowledge. My background has given me a deep understanding of rehabilitation therapies – from physiotherapy to occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and psychological support. This allows me to coordinate services effectively and ensure clients get the right therapy at the right time.

Compassion and Emotional Support. Families often feel as though the rug has been pulled from under them after a serious injury or diagnosis. I bring not only professional expertise but also compassion, empathy, and a listening ear. Sometimes, just knowing someone is in your corner makes all the difference.

What I Look Forward To. What excites me most about this role is being able to recommend, implement, and see the outcomes achieved by clients. I know that recovery is never just about clinical interventions – it is about rebuilding life, confidence, and independence. Being part of that journey is a privilege. I am most looking forward to becoming that trusted person for P, the one who stands beside them at every stage of their rehabilitation. I want to help them discover what life means to them after their injury or condition, and to support them in achieving their goals – not just in the short-term, but for the rest of their lives.

A Personal Philosophy Throughout my career, I have held onto one phrase: “Small things can make a big difference.”

Sometimes, it is not the big interventions that matter most, but the little touches – a reassuring conversation, a thoughtful recommendation, a carefully coordinated service that prevents stress or delay. This belief underpins everything I do. For me, case management is not just about clinical expertise; it is about kindness, connection, and creating a positive journey for both the patient and their family.

Joining Circle Case Management

 I am really excited about joining the team at Circle Case Management. The company is known for its award-winning services, its dedication to excellence, and its reputation for placing clients at the very centre of care. To be part of such a committed team means I can bring my passion and skills into an environment where quality and compassion are prioritised.

Clinical Director Pippa Bird, who is also a Nurse, leads the Case Management team and will be guiding me as I transfer my skills. I also receive the support and supervision of an experienced Senior Case Manager, lending me their experience in a collaborative Case Manager approach can only lead to better outcomes, more efficiently for P, especially with the support I have from the Circle Case Management administrative team. They are the unsung heroes who make sure everything behind the scenes runs smoothly. From handling paperwork, writing reports, preparing MDT (multidisciplinary team) minutes, and carrying out research, to arranging calls, booking appointments, and keeping track of every detail, they create the time and space I need to focus fully on P, their goals, and their needs. They know services, places, therapists, gyms, specialist equipment providers, adapted parks, and even specialist builders. In many ways, they are like living, breathing Filofaxes deep with case management and client knowledge.

This creates an invaluable support network for both me and P. I know I can rely on them to keep everything organised, which means I can dedicate my time to building relationships, advocating, and supporting rehabilitation goals.                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

For P, it means having a whole team of people in their corner – not just one case manager, but an entire group working together to help them achieve the very best outcomes.

When you instruct me...

If you are looking for someone to support a client or family through case management or an Immediate Needs Assessment (INA), I would be privileged to take on that role.                           

With over 20 years of nursing experience, advanced practice qualifications, and a heart dedicated to patient advocacy, I am here to guide, support, and champion each individual’s journey.     

When you instruct me, you can be assured that your client will not just have a case manager – they will have someone in their corner, fighting for them, understanding them, and working tirelessly to help them achieve their very best outcomes.

Because at the end of the day, small things really can make a big difference.

To request Bernadette's C.V, arrange a free meet and greet for your client, or discuss your requirements, please call 01297 24145 or email casemanagement@circlecm.com