The University of Cumbria Institute of Health has appointed of two new Professors of Practice.
Professors of Practice are experts in their field, recruited to enhance the curriculum, experience and environment provided for students and staff.
Spanning the footprint of England’s North West, strengthening the university’s links further with regional health trusts, the appointees are:
Dr Sarah Elliott, associate director of Allied Health Professionals at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust.
Dr Elliott is a physiotherapist with nearly 30 years of NHS experience whose clinical background in critical care and respiratory medicine has seen her work in consultant and senior positions.
Leadership roles have included AHIP workforce leads for several health trusts and organisations across the UK.
With a background in research, Dr Elliot completed her doctorate in 2019 and completed a Health Education England Fellowship in 2021. She has also previously worked as a physiotherapy lecturer at two universities.
Dr Elliott said: “I am excited to undertake this role to utilise and share my wide range of professional experience to bridge the gap between academia and professional practice and so to promote the growth and development of Allied Health Professionals across North Cumbria.”
The health trust, which runs the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle, the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven and community hospitals, serves around 500,000 people across north and West Cumbria. Delivering over 70 services across 15 main locations, the trust employs over 6,500 staff.
Paul Jebb, associate chief nurse for patient experience, engagement and safeguarding at Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust.
A registered nurse since 1996, Paul’s enjoyed a varied career. He is a masters graduate in health service management who has experience working at a senior level for a number of different organisations across the NHS and voluntary sector.
The trust provides mental health, learning disability, autism and community based services for the whole of Lancashire and South Cumbria, serving a population of around 1.8 million people. Specialising in secure, perinatal, inpatient and community mental health and learning disability services, care and support is provided in a range of settings.
Professor Jebb said: “I am honoured to accept this Professor of Practice role and look forward to working with the University of Cumbria to make a difference and to enhance the professional education and the quality of care delivered across health care.”
Associate professor Tom Davidson, Director of Allied Health Professionals and the Centre of Excellence in Paramedic Practice at the University of Cumbria Institute of Health, said: “We’re pleased to have Paul and Sarah join our Institute of Health.
“They are experienced professionals who will share their skills and knowledge directly with our staff and students.
“Their support of our mission to inspire and deliver higher-level skills and research will bring untold benefits our region, our communities and healthcare workforce now and in the future.”
