Briefly, could you tell us about your background and career up to this point?
I have been at King's since March 2024. I am currently the Module Leader for Art & Science of Nursing Practice, part of the MNursing programme and Deputy Module Leader for year 2 of the BSc Adult Nursing programme.
Previously, I spent 21 years at Coventry University in various academic roles such as Course Director, critical care nursing Course Lead and Module Leader on both undergraduate and postgraduate courses and modules. Prior to this, I spent 12 years in clinical nursing practice, working in critical care, coronary care/cardiology, emergency medical admissions, chest medicine and surgical cardiac and thoracic care
What is pre-hospital care and why is it important to prioritise research in this area?
Pre-hospital care is defined as medical care, assessment, and transportation provided to critically ill or injured patients before they arrive at a hospital. This care is usually priviuded by emergency ambulance and medical services.
Research is important in this vital area of practice. Pre-hospital patients are assessed initially at home or on the roadside following an emergency call, so the decisions, skills and subsequent safe transportation performed by pre-hospital staff and paramedics are vital to ensure ongoing effective care that can subsequently save lives.
My collaborative research on pre-hospital care focuses upon neurodiversity amongst paramedic students within the Irish ambulance service
You have recently been invited to join the research committee of the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) in Ireland. Could you tell us a bit more about the appointment and why it’s significant?
I presented phase 1 findings from the collaborative research project on neurodiversity amongst paramedic students at the PHECC conference in Ireland in November 2025.
I then applied to join the PHECC research committee by sending my CV and statement supporting my application. I received notification recently that my application had been successful. The committee was particularly impressed by the strength of my application and felt that my experience and perspective will make a valuable contribution to the research committee.
The PHECC research committee was set up in 2021 and supports the progression of pre-hospital emergency care in Ireland. PHECC continue to inform its work and that of others, as well as advancing the understanding and practice of pre-hospital care, with the knowledge and insights it gleans from targeted research. The committee is made up of senior professionals in both pre-hospital and medical care.
The committee also undertakes autonomous research with academic partners and other service providers. Being a member of this committee will open up new opportunities for my research and provide me with important international networks and links in pre-hospital care.
What is your favourite thing about working at King’s?
My most favourite part of working at King's is working alongside some incredible, skilled, talented and inspiring clinical professionals, as well as working with the incredible professional services teams.
What do you do with your time outside of work?
Where I live in the West Midlands, I live close to the Shropshire and South Staffordshire border, so I spend time with my family walking through some beautiful countryside with incredible panoramic views.
I also volunteer as a community first responder, working alongside the West Midlands Ambulance Service. I attend 999 calls and provide emergency and immediate assistance, often before an ambulance arrives.