Senior Lecturer

After working in SWASFT as a training officer and being seconded into Bournemouth University this fuelled an even greater interest in paramedic education. I also decided that I needed to upgrade my own skills and education levels as a paramedic and studied for my specialist paramedic qualification part time. Once the study bug had bitten it was difficult to shake and when I stepped into the role of programme lead at Bournemouth University, I signed up to do my PhD shortly after my son was born. I never expected to like research but because my topic (how paramedics manage patients experiencing mental health issues) actually developed out of my clinical experiences and talking to other paramedic colleagues, my journey at PhD level has been extremely interesting and difficult! I then applied for the role as programme lead for the innovative and collaborative MSc in Trauma Sciences at University of Southampton. During these academic years I also became involved with the College of Paramedics not only working on the curriculum documents since 2012 but then taking on the Mental Health Lead role, as a volunteer. After three years at the University of Southampton I had the opportunity to move back to Bournemouth University and am now Deputy Head of Department for Midwifery and Health Sciences as well as Simulation Lead for the Faculty. After highlighting the fact that paramedics need more support in managing mental health patients and working on a variety of projects to support this important subject area- including publishing my book (Mental Health Care in Paramedic Practice), I was most recently appointed as Associate Professor in Paramedic Science in 2023. After starting out as a clinical tutor I am now able to present my research findings at international conferences and my passion remains strong in supporting my clinical paramedic colleagues around how they can manage mental health patients.

I am very passionate about my work and I definitely work well outside office hours but my role offers flexibility that I would not have in the NHS and I am grateful for that. I work mainly from the university and at times from home. Travel is mainly for conferences and presenting my research. My work week varies greatly because I have 3 roles: Associate Professor/Deputy Head of Department and Faculty Simulation Lead. This means there are times where my research takes precedent due to bidding deadlines as Associate Professor. I also mentor other staff members to help increase their research profile and work on primary research and grant writing. The same can be said for my deputy head role, there are times in the academic calendar where we have line management and leadership deadlines to meet as well as teaching heavy times and marking. As the simulation role represents the Faculty I try to create space for at least 10-15 hours a week for this. This is a vocation for me and trying to make an impact in this profession is a privilege. Balancing work and life is important and I confess an area I can work on improving!

What really matters most to me is helping my clinical paramedic colleagues manage mental health patients in a way that serves all involved in a better way. It started from my feelings in clinical practice and has continued to develop from there, doing my PhD on this subject area and then writing a book on it has been hugely rewarding on a personal and professional level. It is also a privilege to teach and help develop the future paramedic workforce. It is a gift to be able to share and exchange knowledge and to help our profession grow and develop.

Although I am very organised I find the bid and grant writing aspects of my research role stressful in terms of meeting deadline especially when you have larger collaborations - but when you are successful there is no better feeling! Because I love my 'job' ( I prefer to call it a vocation) so much, my personal life often suffers and I know this is an area I need to work on. There is much opportunity to make a real difference and our profession is growing exponentially.

Never say no to an opportunity even if it scares you. I never dreamed of doing a PhD, never mind completing one and becoming actively involved in research. This is actually my second career, I used to be a journalist and editor. Don't let anyone dissuade you of what you truly feel is your passion. I moved countries to fulfill my potential and looking back, despite some really tough times and some even tougher career decisions...I have no regrets. I am exactly where I should be.