My research interests have focused on therapies for acquired communication impairments, multi-disciplinary stroke rehabilitation, and the long-term impact of stroke for stroke survivors and their families. I have employed a range of designs including clinical trials, single case and small group observational studies, and methods including video ethnography, ethnographic and interview / focus group approaches.

I am particularly interested in research collaborations with stroke survivors; I have worked with the Norfolk Conversation Partner Trainers group on a number of studies, for example: an NIHR-funded Phase II feasibility trial of supported communication in post-acute rehabilitation; a Participatory Action Research study in collaboration with members of the COST Collaboration of Aphasia Trialists. I have developed a self-report measure of conversation and communication for people with aphasia supported by funding from the Tavistock Trust for Aphasia, and am currently co-ordinating PPI for the RELEASE (NIHR HS&DR funded) study of aphasia therapy.

• Speech and language therapy
• Rehabilitation
• Communication disability after stroke/head injury
• Aphasia (communication impairment) after stroke/head injury.

• 1977 BA (Hons.) (Cambridge University) Modern and Medieval Languages (II ii)
• 1981 Postgraduate Diploma in Speech Pathology and Therapeutics, School for the Study of Disorders of Human Communication, London.
• 1991 MSc Human Communication Disorders, (Distinction in both Examination and Project), City University, London.
• 2003 PhD, City University, London.

• HSC 5023B (Acquired Language & Communication Disorders) Module Co-ordinator

I am particularly interested in actively involving patients and public in health-care education. Health services today must actively involve patients and public to ensure they are relevant, acceptable and truly engage with peoples’ needs. Health education especially has to be meaningful for those using it, so that it can encourage “talking with” rather than “talking at”. As Service User involvement lead for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences I am particularly keen to promote meaningful involvement of patients and public in our programmes, including co-production of educational resources. Together with a team from across the Schools in FMH and the Centre for Interprofessional Practice I am investigating the impact of Service User involvement in UG education, supported by a UEA Teaching Fellowship.

 I am willing to supervise PGR students in the following areas:

• Stroke and communication impairments
• PPI
• Participation in society
• Rehabilitation

• 1982-1986 Speech and Language Therapist, Norfolk Health Authority
• 1988-1990 Speech and Language Therapist, Norfolk Health Authority
• 1990-1992 Senior Speech and Language Therapist, Acting Head of Adult Services, Norfolk Health Authority
• 1992-1998 Specialist SLT, Specialist Neuro-rehabilitation Services, Norwich Community Health Partnership NHS Trust
• 1998-2001 SLT Team Leader and Specialist SLT, Specialist Neurorehabilitation Services, Norwich Community Health Partnership NHS Trust (1995-2001 half time secondment to research)
• 2001- 2004 Specialist SLT, Specialist Neuro-rehabilitation Services, Norwich PCT (2001-August 2003, full-time secondment to research)
• 2004 – present Lecturer, School of RSC, UEA