The work of two health experts has been recognised by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (LTHTR).
In a joint appointment by the two institutions, Dr Liz Lightbody has been selected as a professor of stroke care and improvement while UCLan’s Professor Dame Caroline Watkins is being made an honorary stroke nurse consultant at LTHTR.
The academics will work with the trust’s team to transform stroke services in Lancashire through identifying, developing, and evaluating, technology-enhanced solutions to provide more efficient and cost-effective care.
Professor Lightbody, who has been an active researcher for more than 20 years, said: “This professorial position is my ideal job, as I am passionate about improving the care for stroke patients and their families, through improved processes of care, development of novel interventions and developing the skills and capability within the workforce.”
Prof Watkins has a longstanding partnership with the trust. The close working relationship has led to LTHTR gaining substantial National Institute for Health Research funding.
She was recently made a National Institute for Health Research Senior Investigator Emeritus, having been one of the few nurses to gain two awards.
Prof Watkins said: “I’m absolutely delighted to receive this prestigious honorary position. It will further cement the working partnership we have, allowing even closer working to develop and deliver world-class stroke services here in Lancashire.”