Our People

I began my healthcare career in 1999 as a Registered Nurse, working in gastroenterology, where I developed strong clinical foundations and a passion for delivering high-quality patient care. In 2000, I moved into Acute Admissions, gaining valuable experience in the management of patients with complex and urgent healthcare needs within a fast-paced environment.

In 2004, I took the opportunity to undertake the Emergency Care Practitioner (ECP) programme, which was part of a national government initiative aimed at developing advanced clinical roles to improve urgent and emergency care pathways. Following completion of the programme, I moved into Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) services, where I worked managing patients presenting with minor illness and injury.

In 2010, I was asked to support a project within the acute trust to explore whether Same Day Emergency Care could be delivered through a nurse-led model. During this work, I spent time within the Emergency Department and quickly discovered a real passion for urgent and emergency care. This experience shaped the next phase of my career and ultimately led me to remain within the acute trust.

I initially worked as an Emergency Care Practitioner within the Emergency Department, continuing to assess and treat patients with minor illness and injury. In 2015, the department introduced a pilot Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) role, and I was successful in securing one of the pilot positions. I played a key role in helping to develop and establish the ACP role within the department, supporting the expansion of advanced clinical practice and helping shape new ways of delivering care. This role enabled me to work at an advanced level, managing patients with both major illness and injury in a highly demanding clinical environment.

I remained in advanced clinical practice until 2023, when I joined Durham Dales Health Federation as Matron. Moving into primary care provided a new and exciting challenge, giving me the opportunity to work at a system level and support services that make a real difference to local communities. It also gave me valuable insight into the pressures and opportunities within General Practice, Primary Care Networks, and neighbourhood working.

Following organisational restructuring in 2025, I was appointed Head of Clinical Services, a role I have held for the past two years. In this position, I lead and support the delivery, development, and continuous improvement of clinical services across the Federation, working closely with clinical teams, operational leads, practices, and system partners.

I am passionate about influencing service delivery, improving patient pathways, and developing sustainable models of care that meet the needs of local populations. I particularly value the opportunity to work collaboratively across primary care, supporting innovation, improving access, and helping shape services that deliver high-quality care closer to home. I am proud to work in primary care and remain committed to supporting services that strengthen General Practice and improve outcomes for patients and communities.