New Director of Nursing and Midwifery to join university

Karen has 26 years’ experience working across a range of care settings and roles. Clinically, her roles have included both critical care and emergency care. She worked as a Palliative Care Nurse Specialist for almost 10 years, completing an MA in Ethics of Cancer and Palliative Care, and has also practiced as a Health Visitor following completion of a Post Graduate Diploma in Specialist Community Public Health Nursing. 

Karen then moved into a successful academic career at the University of Manchester, where she was able to expand on her specialist interest in teaching and learning for healthcare professionals as a Lecturer and then Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing. 

Whilst in this position, she took on the role of Academic Lead for Practice Development; leading on a number of initiatives to positively enhance experience for students, working in close partnership and collaboration with colleagues across Greater Manchester and the North West in universities and provider organisations. 

With specialist interest in leadership, the therapeutic relationship, clinical judgement and decision making and palliative care, Karen’s research-based education delivery is focused on both pre and post registration pr.ogrammes. To support her passion for education, she completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Biology, Medicine and Health Sciences and gained fellowship of the Higher Education Academy. 

Most recently Karen has worked as Corporate Lead Nurse for Pre-Registration Education – Nursing Midwifery and Allied Health Professions at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, leading a large and dynamic team with oversight of around 3000 nursing, nursing associate, midwifery and AHP students who attend the Trust each year. This has ensured she has experience and insight into the post registration education portfolio. 

Professor Margaret Rowe, Dean of the School of Health and Society, said: “Karen has been and continues to be instrumental in driving meaningful change for Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professional education across GM and the NW region; successfully leading multiple strategic practice education developments for Nursing and Midwifery across Greater Manchester and the North West, including the development and initial implementation of the GM Health and Care Learning Environment Strategy 2021 - 2024. We are delighted to welcome her to the University of Salford.”

Originally from West Cumbria, Karen has lived in Urmston now for 26 years with her husband and family. She has two daughters, Eva aged 15, who is currently doing her GCSE exams, and Katie, aged 20, who is studying at university. She is a keen runner and loves cycling too; regularly taking part in endurance events across the year. She also enjoys live music. 

On her appointment, Karen said: “I am looking forward to joining the university in the next few months and will ensure I have the opportunity to meet with everyone as I begin my induction into the role. Please do say hello and introduce yourself when you see me on campus!”

Karen will join the university from Monday 31 July.