A senior member of staff in the University of Worcester’s Three Counties School of Nursing and Midwifery has been appointed an Associate Professor of Nursing for the University and Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Dr Kerry Gaskin
The joint role will see Dr Kerry Gaskin, who is currently Head of Department for Midwifery and CPD, and a Principal Lecturer in Advanced Clinical Practice, at the University, supporting the Trust’s research strategy over the next three years. It is the first such post between the two organisations.
“I’m really excited to be taking on this position,” said Dr Gaskin. “The University has a great relationship with Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and we’re eager to help them to develop their research among their Nursing and Midwifery staff.”
Research in the NHS is vital to provide the evidence to transform services. It is widely accepted that research-active Trusts deliver improved patient outcomes, a better care experience and find it easier to retain staff. All staff working in the NHS are expected to engage with research and to routinely offer patients the opportunity to join research studies.
A Registered Children’s Nurse and Registered Adult Nurse by training, Dr Gaskin has a breadth of clinical and research experience in her subject area, including paediatric intensive care, children’s cardiac intensive care; high dependency, cardiac nurse practice educator and professional development at several specialist children’s cardiac units and children’s hospitals in the UK, before moving into academia in 2005.
She is the Chairperson of the Congenital Cardiac Nurses Association UK and member of the Society of Paediatric Cardiovascular Nurses USA. Dr Gaskin has represented children’s cardiac nurses as a Specialist Advisor for the Care Quality Commission; Consultant for the Royal College of Nursing (RCN); Nurse Representative for the British Congenital Cardiac Association and more recently representing the CCNA on the Health Education England Children and Young People Model Review Oversight Board - Stakeholder Sub-Group, Advanced Clinical Practice.
Matt Holdaway, Chief Nurse & Director of Quality at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “The appointment of our first Professor of Nursing is a really exciting step for Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on our Journey to Outstanding. I am really looking forward to welcoming Kerry to the team and supporting her to develop our Nursing and Midwifery Research Strategy and clinical academic careers whilst ultimately improving the care and experience our patients receive.”