About

As a midwifery lecturer, my role is to educate and inspire the next generation of midwives by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in their profession. I serve as the deputy lead for the "Developing the Professional Midwife" module and as the link lecturer between the University of Derby and Nottingham University Hospitals. Additionally, I work closely with a colleague to enhance the recruitment pathway for future midwifery students.

As the link lecturer, I play a key role in ensuring effective communication and fostering strong relationships between the University and the hospital. I act as a liaison to address concerns and resolve issues in a timely manner, ensuring students and hospital staff receive the support they need. This involves maintaining open communication, helping students navigate their clinical placements, and offering assistance to hospital staff in their mentoring roles. My aim is to create a collaborative environment where students thrive and staff are well-supported.

By continuing to work clinically, I stay current with contemporary practice, gaining insights into the midwifery landscape. This enables me to bring real-world relevance to both my teaching and research, ensuring that students receive education grounded in the latest developments in the field.

Teaching responsibilities

My teaching responsibilities include delivering engaging and comprehensive lectures, tutorials, and practical sessions that cover a wide range of topics in midwifery practice. Within the team, I assist with the design and development curricula to ensure they meet academic standards and align with current clinical guidelines. Additionally, I support students in their professional development, helping them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. My role also involves contributing to the development of modules, courses, actively participating in research, and staying up to date on the latest research and advancements in midwifery to ensure that students receive the most relevant and evidence-based education.

Professional interests

My specific area of interest lies in high-dependency maternity care, an area I have a particular affinity for due to my experience working as a nurse in critical care. This background has allowed me to gain valuable insights into the complexities of managing pregnancies requiring additional care and providing the best possible care to both mothers and babies.

As a midwifery lecturer, who continues to work clinically as both a midwife and a critical care nurse, I am deeply passionate about teaching, research, and the continuous development of clinical practice. I strive to create an engaging and supportive learning environment for students, where they can develop the skills and knowledge necessary for the ever-evolving field of midwifery.

Research interests

I aim to focus on research in the future in the effort to improve outcomes by understanding how we can better manage complications and provide effective, holistic care. I am dedicated to exploring best practices, innovative interventions, and the development of specialised care protocols to ensure optimal health outcomes for both mother and baby. This research interest not only informs my teaching but also fuels my commitment to advancing clinical practice and ensuring that care in these high-stakes environments is evidence-based and continually evolving.

Membership of professional bodies

Registered Adult Nurse and Midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. 

Member of Royal College of Midwives. 

Member of Royal College of Nurses. 

Qualifications

MSc (Distinction) in Midwifery from University of the West of Scotland.

BSc (Distinction) in Adult Nursing from the University of the West of Scotland.

Enhanced Maternity Care Midwife.

Experience in industry

Rotational Midwife at Nottingham University Hospitals, QMC. Here, I have cared for women and their families in labour, antenatal, postnatal, postnatal, and community.  Working in diverse environments, including focusing on a minority population in the community, has broadened my clinical knowledge and cultural competence. This experience allows me to offer students a well-rounded perspective on midwifery practice, emphasising the importance of holistic, patient-centred care and adapting to diverse needs. It also informs my teaching with real-world insights, helping students understand the complexities of different clinical and community settings and the importance of inclusive care.

Adult Critical Care Nurse at University Hospital Wishaw, where I delivered both High-Dependency Care, and Intensive Care to adults. During my time here, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly enhanced my skills, knowledge, and resilience, all of which have made me a better lecturer. This sparked my interest in areas like high-dependency maternity care, where multidisciplinary, evidence-based decisions are crucial. These experiences allow me to bring real-world insights to my teaching, providing students with practical perspectives on healthcare challenges. Ultimately, my time in intensive care reinforced my commitment to developing both the technical and emotional skills students need to succeed in their careers.