I am a collaborative nurse leader with a broad portfolio of skills and experience. My PhD research was on nursing workforce policy and planning in the four countries of the UK. I currently work as an independent healthcare consultant.

My Fellowship focuses on suicide in nurses. There are higher rates of suicide amongst nurses than in the general population. Through my extensive NHS experience, I developed an interest in nursing workforce development, safe staffing and ensuring nurses are well supported in their roles. I have also gained greater insight into the complex factors associated with suicide as a listening volunteer with Samaritans.

High rates of suicide in nurses are not unique to the UK. My Fellowship is an opportunity to visit the USA to learn about innovative work undertaken there and to consider how this can inform approaches in the UK.

I am delighted to have been awarded the Fellowship and it is an important opportunity for me to raise awareness of the issues contributing to suicide in nurses, influence actions to address these and ultimately to reduce the rates of nurse suicides.