The North West Genomic Medicine Service Alliance | Manchester, UK
Diversity Teams

I am the Genomics Midwifery Lead for the North West Genomic Medicine Service Alliance, hosted by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, where I lead strategic programmes to embed genomic medicine in maternity services while championing equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). With more than 25 years of experience in nursing and maternity care, I am passionate about ensuring that advances in genomic medicine translate into equitable, personalised care for every woman, baby and family, regardless of their ethnicity, language, culture or socioeconomic background.
Throughout my career, I have been committed to improving outcomes through innovation, collaboration and inclusive leadership. My work focuses on integrating genomics into everyday maternity practice, developing the maternity workforce through education and training, and creating sustainable clinical pathways that support earlier identification of genetic conditions and improve patient care. I work closely with multidisciplinary teams, NHS organisations and national partners to ensure genomics becomes an integral part of high-quality maternity services.
Alongside my genomics leadership, I am a passionate advocate for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. I believe that reducing health inequalities requires more than awareness; it requires meaningful action. I have led and contributed to initiatives that promote culturally competent, anti-discriminatory, and inclusive maternity care, supporting healthcare professionals in developing the confidence and skills needed to care for increasingly diverse populations. My work aims to address inequalities in access, experience and outcomes, helping to create maternity services where every individual feels respected, valued and heard.
One of my proudest achievements has been developing an award-winning multilingual digital maternity resource that provides accessible pregnancy, birth, postnatal and genomic information in multiple languages. The resource has been adopted across NHS organisations and has helped improve access to trusted information, reduce language barriers and empower women and families to make informed decisions about their care. In addition, implementing the QI project to improve outcomes for underserved groups, such as developing communication cards for mothers with babies in neonatal care and for women inpatients, so they feel involved in their care. The communication cards are based on specific questions to ask during treatment. In addition to developing a QI project for women with diabetes in pregnancy, the project aims to provide a small fridge in each ward stocked with snacks and food suitable for diabetic patients.
I am an experienced educator and national speaker, regularly delivering education and presenting at regional and national conferences on genomics, maternity transformation, cultural competence, health inequalities and inclusive leadership. I am passionate about inspiring healthcare professionals to embrace innovation while ensuring compassionate, person-centred care remains at the heart of everything we do.
My work has been recognised through national awards, including the Nursing Times Midwife of the Year Award and the Chief Midwifery Officer Silver Award, which recognise my contribution to advancing maternity care, improving equity and embedding genomics into clinical practice.
I remain committed to shaping the future of maternity services by bringing together genomics, innovation and inclusion. My ambition is to ensure that every family benefits from personalised, equitable and culturally responsive care, while supporting the maternity workforce to confidently deliver the next generation of healthcare.
Certainly. Here's a more concise, executive-style version that still highlights the breadth and impact of your voluntary work.
Alongside my professional role, I am passionate about giving back to my local community through voluntary work that promotes equality, inclusion and health education. I support local women's groups by delivering health education and creating opportunities for women from diverse backgrounds to improve their health literacy and wellbeing.
I also contribute to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives within my local football club, helping to create a more inclusive environment for young people and families from all backgrounds, while encouraging greater participation among underrepresented communities.
In addition, I deliver community Life Savers programmes, teaching Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR to equip individuals with the confidence and skills to respond effectively in medical emergencies. Through all of my voluntary work, I am committed to reducing inequalities, empowering communities through education, and improving health outcomes.