CRN East of England appoints first NMAHP Research Lead

CRN East of England is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Catherine Gooday, Principal Podiatrist at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals, to the newly launched role of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions (NMAHP) Research Lead.

Catherine joined the team as of Monday 3 April 2023, playing a key leadership role in the on-going engagement, development and oversight of the region’s NMAHP research workforce. Providing a vital link between the local CRN and national office, Catherine will also work in partnership with the NIHR Nursing and Midwifery office to support the delivery of a CRN-wide Nursing and Midwifery Plan.

The nursing and midwifery professions make up a large proportion of the delivery workforce for the CRN, and Catherine will provide a key voice for these, and all AHP staff members.

Catherine brings extensive research experience to this strategic role, both in her work as an NIHR Chief Investigator and Clinical Doctoral Fellow. This includes having lead on a recently published study to assess annual change in prevalence of MRSA in foot ulcers experienced by people with diabetes.

On her appointment, Catherine said: “I am really excited to have this opportunity to work with CRN East of England and other local, regional, and national colleagues to support nurses, midwives and AHPs to develop their research skills, and career aspirations.  Over the next 12 months I will work to further expand and embed the role of nurses, midwives, and AHPs in research, in order to develop an innovative, supported, and sustainable research active community across the East of England.”

Prof Jeremy Turner, Clinical Director for CRN East of England, said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Catherine to this new role, particularly given the significant opportunities her experience and drive will bring to further strengthen our NMAHP workforce in the region. Our Executive Team and I look forward to supporting Catherine in delivering her vision for the CRN in this crucial community.”