People within Centre for Caring for People with Complex Needs

Professor Owen Barr

Professor of Nursing and Intellectual Disabilities

Dr Esther Ruth Beck

Senior Lecturer in Nursing

Professor Vivien Coates

Professor of Nursing Practice Research

Professor Neal Cook

Head of School of Nursing & Paramedic Science

Dr Caroline Crawford

Lecturer in Adult Nursing

Caroline Crawford is a lecturer in nursing at the School of Nursing and Paramedic Science, Ulster University. Her teaching spans undergraduate, master's, and PhD levels.

Caroline’s research focuses on nursing education, with a particular interest in neurodiversity within the nursing profession. She is a member of the Person-Centred Care and Education Research Stream.

Caroline completed her nursing degree at Ulster University and undertook further education in perioperative nursing at Queen's University, Belfast. Her clinical experience is in theatre, recovery and anaesthetic nursing. She later specialised as a Clinical Research Nurse, coordinating clinical drug trials in stroke, cardiology and respiratory diseases.

Caroline returned to Ulster University to complete a PhD within the School of Nursing and Paramedic Science, focusing on the selection criteria utilised across the United Kingdom for admitting nursing students to undergraduate degree programs.

Dr Lynn Dunwoody

Lecturer in Health Psychology

Dr Lynn Dunwoody is an HCPC registered Health Psychologist and a Chartered Psychologist with the BPS. Lynn’s research is health psychology focused in the areas of adversarial growth, CBT and quality of life in relation to cancer; physical activity and rehabilitation, cancer and palliative care, psychosocial interventions and physical activity in community dwelling adults, specifically in the menopause, the psychological and physical benefits of walking and being a volunteer community walk leader.

Lynn completed her PhD at Ulster University with Dr Heinz Tittmar, in 1994. After studying acupuncture and homoeopathy, she worked in clinical practice for 15 years in a private clinic. Dr Dunwoody joined Ulster as a lecturer in health psychology in 1996, before moving to the School of Health Sciences in 2002 to teach allied health professional students and returned to the School of Psychology in 2010.

External positions

• Chair Partnership and Accreditation Committee, British Psychological Society (from 2015)
• Membership of Programmatic Review Panel for Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Psychology, Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology, Dublin Business School (February 2014 - April 2014)
• CPD Assessor, Health and Care Professions Council (from 2013)
• Chief Assessor Qualification In Health Psychology, British Psychological Society (from 2012)
• Registration Assessor, Health and Care Professions Council (from 2011)
• Chair Division of Health Psychology Training Committee, British Psychological Society (September 2010 - September 2018)
• Visitor, Health and Care Professions Council (from 2009)
• External Examiner for the Essential Certificate in Palliative Care for Allied Health Professionals, Northern Ireland Hospice Care (2007 - 2013)
• Assessor BPS Qualification in Health Psychology (Stage 2), British Psychological Society (2006 - 2011)

Professor Ben Fitzpatrick

Research Director & Professor of Nursing Research and Development

Ben is a Professor of Nursing Research and Development and holds a joint appointment between UU where he is the Research Director of the Institute of Nursing and Health Research, and in the Western Health and Social Care Trust where he is Assistant Director of Nursing (Research and Development). Ben plays a key leadership role between these two organisations and is focussed on enhancing strategic links and research culture across them both.

Ben graduated from the University of Wales, Bangor in 2000 with a degree in Sport and Exercise Science and then worked for a series of community and sport development programmes in his native Wales. A change of career beckoned shortly after moving to Northern Ireland and Ben graduated from Ulster in 2010 as a registered Nurse and worked in acute and emergency medicine departments in the South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen.

Wanting to combine his sport and healthcare background, Ben completed his PhD in Physical Activity and Health in 2016 and became a permanent lecturer within the School of Sport in September 2016 as the Course Director for the BSc Sport, Physical Activity and Health programme on the Magee campus. Through the efforts of the course team this programme achieved 100% satisfaction in the National Student Survey in 2018 and, in the same year Ben was presented with the UUSU Excellence in Teaching Award for the Faculty of Life and Health Sciences. Ben became Head of School of Sport in February 2019 and led the School through the COVID pandemic before returning to the School of Nursing and Paramedic Sciences in 2022.

Ben’s research interests predominantly lie in physical activity and health, specifically in the fields high intensity interval training (HIIT) in clinical and vulnerable groups and in the area of social prescribing. Ben has disseminated this collaborative work at national and international conferences and as a guest speaker at national conventions

Dr Deborah Goode

Associate Head of School of Nursing

Shortlisted for 2 categories in UUSU Learning and Teaching awards

• Educator of the Year (LHS)
• Excellence in Support of Student Ambition categories of our Learning and Teaching Awards 2023.

For more information read the news story on UUSU.org

Dr Jeffrey Hanna

Lecturer in Clinical Cancer Nursing

Current role

My current role is 'Lecturer in Clinical Cancer Nursing', which is a joint clinical-academic role between Ulster University and South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.

Research profile

My research profile spans across cancer, end of life and bereavement care. I am particularly interested in family-centred cancer care and supporting families when a significant adult caregiver for children (<18) has cancer.

Visit Family Centred Cancer Care for details of completed projects and resources as part of this ongoing programme of work.

Current research projects

Family-centred cancer care

Ongoing programme of work aimed at supporting families when an adult with significant caregiving responsibilities for dependent children (<18) is at end of life with cancer. Evidence-based and theory-driven educational interventions for health and social care professionals have been developed and evaluated.

This includes face-to-face training and an eLearning intervention. Other outputs include co-produced educational video resources and a communication framework.

Resources are free to access at Visit Family Centred Cancer Care

Our Team's current project is funded by NIHR and is exploring the support needs of families living in deprivation, when an adult with significant caregiving responsibilities for dependent children is at end of life with cancer.

Suicide ideation in head and neck cancer

Novel project exploring the experiences, needs and challenges of patients and carers impacted by head and neck cancer who have thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Our Team's current project is funded by the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust and is a global qualitative study exploring health and social care professionals' experiences of caring for and managing suicidal ideation in patients with head and neck cancer.

PhD researchers (current and completed)

Ms Katherine Penney - Using creative arts and design practice to visualise the experience and needs of patients with head and neck cancer. Supervision team: Prof Chris McHugh, Prof Cherith Semple and Dr Jeff Hanna.

Ms Sharyu Mhamane - Family-centred cancer care: Plan, develop and feasibility test a self-guided intervention for adults who are at end of life with cancer and have significant caregiving responsibilities for dependent children. Supervision team: Dr Jeff Hanna and Prof Cherith Semple.

Dr Laura Keaver - Exploring and informing the provision of nutrition advice to patients with cancer and healthcare professionals, with a focus on cancer survivorship. Awarded December 2023.

External activity

• United Kingdom Oncology Nursing Society (UKONS) Champion for Northern Ireland.
• Editorial Advisory Board Member for the journal Palliative Medicine.
• Services Development Committee member for Cancer Fund for Children.
• Presidential Training Fellow for the Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC).

Dr Deirdre Harkin

Lecturer in Adult Nursing

Dr Felicity Hasson

Senior Lecturer

Felicity Hasson is a Senior Lecturer in the Institute of Nursing Research at the University of Ulster with twenty years’ experience in research. A social researcher by background, she has extensive experience and knowledge of qualitative, quantitative and mixed method research and has been involved in numerous research studies in palliative and end of life care. She completed her MSc in 1996 and her PhD from Ulster University in 2012.  Felicity is a member of the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care Palliative Care Research Network (PCRN).

Research Interest

Felicity’s research interests include nurse and assistant workforce, workforce training, palliative care and chronic illness (malignant and non-malignant with patients, families and multi-disciplinary health care professionals) and public awareness of palliative care and end of life issues.

Professor Ciara Hughes

Research Director of Health Science Research

Professor George Kernohan

Professor of Health Research

Dr Toni McAloon

Senior Lecturer in Nursing

Professor Tanya McCance

The Mona Grey Professor of Nursing Research & Development

Dr Claire McCauley

Senior Lecturer in Health Sciences

Professor Sonja McIlfatrick

Dean of the Ulster Doctoral College

Professor Sonja McIlfatrick holds the esteemed position of Professor in Nursing and Palliative Care. She also serves as the Dean of the Doctoral College and takes on the role of Director of Postgraduate Research, encompassing a cross-institutional scope. Prior to these roles, Sonja had a significant tenure as the Head of School of Nursing at Ulster University from 2017 to 2022. With a comprehensive background spanning over twenty years, she stands as a seasoned clinical academic, contributing her expertise to nursing and palliative care practice, education, and research.

During her tenure as the Head of Research at the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care between 2011 and 2014, Sonja played a pivotal role in establishing the All Ireland Palliative Care Research Network (PCRN). This network not only prioritized palliative care research throughout Ireland but also spotlighted Sonja as a proactive leader in the field. Her dedication is showcased through her extensive publication history, with more than 200 research outputs and publications. Her effectiveness in acquiring grants is equally impressive, having secured over 4 million pounds in funding.

Professor McIlfatrick's reputation extends internationally, where she is recognized as a prominent figure in palliative care research. This recognition has led her to be a sought-after presenter at key national and international events. As a testament to her influence, she holds a position as an elected Board member for the European Association of Palliative Care (EAPC). Her contributions transcend borders, as she is appointed as a Visiting Professor at the University of Maribor in Slovenia, the University of Chiba in Japan, and the University of Technology in Sydney. These collaborations see her working with the Centre for Improving Palliative, Aged, and Chronic Care through Clinical Research and Translation (IMPACCT).

Professor McIlfatrick's impact is not confined to academia; she has served on various international research-funding boards. Her expertise is now leveraged as a member of the Marie Curie UK Funding Research Committee and a research advisory committee member for the UK Council of Deans of Health. Her distinguished status is affirmed by her honorary fellowships with esteemed institutions, including the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, the Royal College of Nursing in the UK, and the American Academy of Nursing. Notably, she is a UK Florence Nightingale Leadership Scholar.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Sonja was awarded the Member of the British Empire (MBE) in 2022, a testament to her profound impact on education and public health. Beyond her accolades, Sonja holds a deep interest in doctoral education, having served as the past President of the International Network of Doctoral Education in Nursing (INDEN).

Presently, her research pursuits encompass a range of compelling topics, such as palliative care in chronic illness, the management of clinical symptoms, end-of-life decision-making, and public health palliative care. This extensive portfolio underscores Sonja McIlfatrick's dedication to advancing the fields of nursing, palliative care, and education on a global scale.

Dr Anne Moorhead

Senior Lecturer

Dr Anne Moorhead is a Senior Lecturer in Health Communication within the School of Communication and Media, and also a member of the Institute for Nursing and Health Research (INHR) at Ulster University.

She is a Registered Nutritionist, Public Health (RNutr), and a professional background in Public Health.

She has experience working in clinical and consultancy in the areas of public health. She teaches healthcare communication, research methods and mental health and well-being. Her research interest is in healthcare communication, in particular communication relating to obesity and mental health. This includes the use of digital communication tools to support health professionals’ and patients’ interactions.

She has expertise in a range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Her research includes children, young people, adults, and patients with mental health related conditions. She has completed various civic activities over many years, worked with numerous organisations and community partners in the area of public health locally and nationally.

She has led interdisciplinary research and has a result has numerous global networks, working with universities, clinical partners, and industries in Ireland, the UK, Europe, USA and Australia. She has secured research funding and achieved extensive publications.

Dr Moorhead is a Board member and Section Editor for the Journal of Medical Internet Research, the leading e-health peer-reviewed journal, and a Board member for the Journal, Patient Education and Counselling.

She is a reviewer for various international journals and funding organisations and is currently a member of several funding panels including Horizon Europe.

She has supervised and is currently supervising numerous PhD students, including being a PhD examiner, and line manager to Research Associates. She is a member of several external committees, including the research committee for the International Association for Communication in Healthcare, also the Chair of the NHS Research Ethics Committee, Office of Research Ethics Committees for Northern Ireland.

She has been awarded the International Association for Communication in Healthcare (EACH) Fellowship (2024), which is a global recognition of substantial contributions in communication in healthcare.

Dr Deborah Muldrew

Lecturer in Healthcare Sciences

Professor Deirdre O'Donnell

Professor of Nursing

Dr Marie O'Neill

Senior Lecturer in Nursing

Professor Assumpta Ryan

Professor of Ageing and Health

Professor Cherith Semple

Professor of Nursing

Dr Paul Slater

Senior Lecturer in Statistics