ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½

I am a Consultant in Palliative Medicine and Clinical Senior Lecturer at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, working across the clinical–academic interface and across statutory NHS and independent hospice services.

My work brings together clinical care, research, education and implementation, with a particular interest in translating evidence into routine practice and developing clinically relevant research from problems identified in care.

My main academic interests are palliative and supportive care in the home setting, particularly care in the last days of life, symptom management, lay carer involvement, decision-making and communication around dying.

My work spans the development, evaluation and implementation of complex interventions, using mixed-methods, qualitative, clinical trial, implementation and quality-improvement approaches.

CARiAD, which enables trained family members or other lay carers to administer as-needed subcutaneous medication for symptoms in the last days of life, has progressed from NIHR-funded research to national policy and implementation, supported by a UK Community of Practice.

I also contribute to work on medicines and treatment burden, person-centred care, clinical decision-making, death literacy and service innovation, including implementation of subcutaneous fluids in community palliative care.

Alongside research and implementation, I have a longstanding interest in developing clinical-academic capacity, supporting trainees and clinicians to undertake research and improvement work, and strengthening collaboration between NHS, university and independent-sector services.

• PhD: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Medical and Health Sciences
  2022
• Professional: Fellowship
  Royal College of Physicians, London, 2012
• Other: Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Development (PGCPD) in Higher Education
  Glyndwr University, 2011
• Other: Fellowship
  Higher Education Academy, 2011
• Professional: Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Palliative Medicine
  Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board (PMETB), 2008
• Professional: Membership
  Royal College of Physicians, London, 2004
• Professional: MB CHB (cum laude)
  University of Stellenbosch, 2000

Education and supervision are integral to my clinical-academic work, spanning undergraduate and postgraduate medical education, multidisciplinary clinical teaching, research supervision, professional development and education for patients and family carers.

I hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Development in Higher Education (PGCPD, 2011) and am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).

My approach to education is informed by clinical practice, research and implementation experience, with a particular interest in helping learners understand the evidence underpinning care and how this can be translated into meaningful improvements in clinical practice.

Undergraduate and postgraduate medical education

I contribute to palliative and end-of-life care education for medical students at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½'s North Wales Medical School, supporting teaching and clinical learning opportunities across university, NHS and independent hospice settings.

Within my clinical role, I deliver formal and informal teaching to Foundation doctors, specialty trainees and other medical colleagues. This includes bedside and case-based learning, clinical reasoning, symptom management, communication, decision-making and the practical application of research evidence.

I have extensive experience of postgraduate specialty training, educational governance and professional supervision. I chaired the Wales Deanery Specialty Training Committee for Palliative Medicine (2013–2017), contributing to curriculum delivery, trainee progression and training quality. I also contributed as a question writer for the UK Palliative Medicine Specialty Clinical Examination (2016–2020).

Clinical supervision, appraisal and professional development

I have previously served as an Educational Supervisor for palliative medicine specialty trainees and other junior doctors, and currently undertake Named Clinical Supervisor responsibilities. My experience includes mentoring trainees, supporting professional development and working with trainees experiencing difficulties.

I am a consultant medical appraiser within Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) and have experience as a Designated Supervising Medical Practitioner, supporting advanced nursing practice and non-medical prescribing training.

My wider educational contribution includes regional education coordination, programme development and multidisciplinary training, working across professional and organisational boundaries to support continuing professional development.

Academic supervision and clinical-academic development

I supervise and mentor clinicians undertaking academic training, research and quality-improvement projects, with a particular interest in developing research capacity alongside clinical practice.

My experience includes academic supervision of a Welsh Clinical Academic Training (WCAT) trainee, support for Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) Academic Clinical Fellows and academic GP trainees, and joint supervision of MSc projects, including work on Treatment Escalation Plans and medical education. I have also served as an internal PhD examiner.

In October 2026, I was appointed WCAT North Wales Lead, supporting clinical-academic development and opportunities for collaboration across North Wales.

I contribute to teaching on research methods, critical appraisal, project development and clinical-academic careers. A particular interest is supporting clinicians to translate questions arising from practice into researchable projects and to develop the skills, collaborations and confidence needed to pursue research and innovation.

Multidisciplinary professional education

Much of my teaching takes place within clinical services, working with nursing, pharmacy, medical and wider health and social care colleagues. This includes formal education programmes, multidisciplinary learning, case-based discussion and informal teaching embedded in everyday clinical practice.

I have contributed to the design, delivery and evaluation of regional educational programmes. In 2018–2019, I co-developed and delivered a North Wales advance care planning education programme comprising 36 half-day workshops attended by 478 healthcare professionals. The programme incorporated evaluation of participants' knowledge, skills and confidence, alongside subsequent exploration of how learning was transferred into clinical practice.

My experience also includes education and training within prison palliative care services, supporting staff to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence required to care for people approaching the end of life.

Education for patients and family carers

A distinctive aspect of my educational work is the development of approaches that enable patients and family carers to participate more confidently in care.

Through CARiAD (CARer-ADministration of as-needed subcutaneous medication), I have contributed to the development of competency-based training and supporting resources that enable appropriately trained lay carers to administer medication for breakthrough symptoms in the last days of life.

My involvement spans the development and co-design of training approaches, education of healthcare professionals who support and train carers, and direct involvement in lay carer training during implementation in North Wales.

This work reflects a wider interest in anticipatory education, shared decision-making and supporting people to develop the knowledge and confidence needed to participate in care according to their preferences and circumstances.

Education, implementation and knowledge mobilisation

Education is a central component of my research implementation work. I am particularly interested in how training, professional learning and practical resources can support the adoption of evidence-informed approaches within routine clinical care.

Through CARiAD, I have contributed to the development of national training resources and supported professional learning and shared implementation experience through the UK National Community of Practice for lay carer administration.

My wider implementation experience, including work on subcutaneous fluids in palliative care, informs my approach to professional education and service development.

Developing educational interests include death literacy, communication about dying and death, and the use of creative and narrative approaches to support understanding. This includes work arising from What Matters Most and developing educational initiatives for healthcare professionals and wider communities.

Across my teaching and supervision activities, I aim to connect clinical practice, research and education, supporting both individual learning and wider improvements in care.

demy.

My research focuses on palliative and supportive care, particularly care in the home setting and the last days of life. I am interested in how patients and those close to them experience serious illness, dying and care, and how clinical practice and health services can better support their needs.

My work spans the development, evaluation and implementation of complex interventions, drawing on clinical trials, mixed-methods and qualitative research, health services research, implementation and quality-improvement approaches.

A defining feature of my clinical-academic work is the relationship between research and practice. Clinical experience informs the questions I investigate, while my NHS and academic roles provide opportunities to translate findings into policy, professional education and routine care. I am particularly interested in the practical and organisational challenges of implementing evidence-informed interventions, evaluating their real-world impact and supporting sustainable changes in practice.

CARiAD: From research to policy and implementation

My principal research programme has centred on CARiAD (CARer-ADministration of as-needed subcutaneous medication), which enables appropriately trained family members or other lay carers to administer medication for breakthrough symptoms in the last days of life.

I initiated the research programme from a clinical question arising in community palliative care and co-led the NIHR-funded CARiAD feasibility randomised controlled trial. This work formed the basis of my PhD, awarded by ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ in 2022.

CARiAD illustrates the progression of a complex intervention from development and feasibility research through to policy change, clinical implementation and evaluation in routine practice.

Building on the research, I led the development of an All-Wales policy and supporting implementation resources in 2020, followed by implementation across North Wales. This involved collaboration across NHS services, universities, policymakers, healthcare professionals and family carers, with particular emphasis on training, clinical governance, professional confidence and the practical requirements for safe implementation.

The programme has subsequently generated real-world evidence on symptom outcomes, carer experience, acceptability and implementation. I co-founded and co-chair the UK National Community of Practice for lay carer administration, which supports shared learning and implementation across organisations.

The research and its subsequent impact on policy and practice are being developed as a potential Research Excellence Framework (REF) Impact Case Study.

Implementation and improvement in palliative care

Beyond CARiAD, I have contributed to the development, implementation and evaluation of approaches intended to improve care for people approaching the end of life.

This includes my longstanding involvement in the Wales Collaborative Care Decisions Project for the Last Days of Life, which brought together clinical practice, evidence-informed guidance, professional education and service development.

My wider experience includes work on the implementation of subcutaneous fluids in palliative care, alongside clinical service innovation and quality-improvement initiatives across community, hospital and hospice settings.

These experiences have strengthened my interest in the factors that influence implementation, including clinical uncertainty, professional practice, patient and family preferences, service organisation, education and the availability of practical resources.

I am particularly interested in approaches that combine robust evidence generation with an understanding of the clinical and organisational contexts in which interventions are delivered.

Developing research programmes

My current and developing research interests extend across several connected areas of palliative and supportive care.

Symptom management and treatment burden: This includes Noisy Breathing at Life's End (NoBLE), exploring clinical approaches and experiences relating to respiratory secretions in the dying phase, and LOTUS, examining long-term opioid therapy in people living beyond cancer treatment, including prescribing patterns, treatment burden and opportunities to improve care.

Health services and care delivery: I contribute to research development concerning alternatives to acute hospital admission towards the end of life, including Hospital at Home models, and work examining ambulance service involvement in end-of-life care.

Person-centred care, communication and decision-making: This includes research and development work exploring how patients, family carers and professionals understand and experience dying, how decisions are made, and how care can better reflect individual priorities. Current interests include What Matters Most, creative and narrative approaches to understanding experiences of dying, and death literacy.

Across these programmes, I am interested in research questions that emerge from clinical practice and have clear potential to inform care, professional practice and service development.

Research leadership and capacity development

I contribute to the development of palliative and supportive care research capacity through clinical-academic leadership, collaboration and supervision.

I co-lead a work package within PRIME Centre Wales, having previously co-led its Supportive and Palliative Care work package. In July 2025, I was appointed Health and Care Research Wales Specialty Lead for Palliative and End-of-Life Care, supporting research development, participation and collaboration across Wales.

My research activity involves collaboration across universities, NHS organisations, independent hospices and other health and social care settings. I am particularly interested in supporting clinicians to identify research questions arising from practice, develop research skills and participate in collaborative research programmes.

Through these activities, I aim to strengthen the connections between research, clinical care and implementation, contributing to evidence that is both methodologically robust and relevant to the people and services it is intended to benefit.

I am willing to supervise a PhD

2025

• Published
  Poolman, M., Wright, S., Hendry, A., Goulden, N., Holmes, E., Byrne, A., Perkins, P., Hoare, Z., Nelson, A., Hiscock, J., Hughes, D. A., O’Connor, J., Foster, B., Reymond, L., Lewis, P., Wee, B., Roberts, R., Parkinson, A., Roberts, S. & Wilkinson, C., 12 Jun 2025, In: BMJ Open. 15, 6, e084476.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• E-pub ahead of print
  Hendry, A., Wilkinson, C., Hiscock, J., Poolman, M. & Wright, S., 22 Dec 2025, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Palliative and Supportive Care.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2023

• Published
  Poolman, M., 25 Sept 2023
  Research output: Other contribution

2022

• Unpublished
  Poolman, M., 2022, (Unpublished)
  Research output: Other contribution
• Published
  Hendry, A., Hiscock, J. & Poolman, M., Dec 2022, In: Palliative Care and Social Practice . 16, 9 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• Published
  Hendry, A., Hiscock, J., Evans, E., Pottie, J., Wilkinson, C. & Poolman, M., 2 Feb 2022, In: International Journal of Palliative Nursing. 28, 2, p. 72-79 8 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2020

• Published
  Poolman, M., Roberts, J., Wright, S., Hendry, A., Goulden, N., Holmes, E., Byrne, A., Perkins, P., Hoare, Z., Nelson, A., Hiscock, J., Hughes, D., O'Connor, J., Foster, B., Reymond, L., Healy, S., Lewis, P., Wee, B., Johnstone, R. P. & Roberts, R. & 3 others, Parkinson, A., Roberts, S. & Wilkinson, C., 2 Jun 2020, In: Health Technology Assessment. 24, 25, 150 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• Published
  Poolman, M. & Shuler, A., 20 Mar 2020, 45 p. NHS Wales Health Collaborative.
  Research output: Other contribution › peer-review
• Published
  Pottle, J., Hiscock, J., Neal, R. D. & Poolman, M., Mar 2020, In: BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care. 10, 1, e6.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• Published
  INPIC Group, Dec 2020, In: BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care. 10, 4, p. 429-434 6 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• Published
  Poolman, M., Makin, M., Briggs, J., Scofield, K., Campkin, N., Williams, M., Sharma, M. L., Laird, B. & Mayland, C. R., 23 Nov 2020, In: BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care. 10, 4, 414.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article

2019

• Published
  Poolman, M., Roberts, J., Byrne, A., Perkins, P., Hoare, Z., Nelson, A., Hiscock, J., Hughes, D., Foster, B., O'Connor, J., Reymond, L., Healy, S., Roberts, R., Wee, B., Lewis, P., Johnstone, R., Roberts, S., Holmes, E., Wright, S. & Hendry, A. & 1 others, Wilkinson, C., 7 Feb 2019, In: Trials. 20, 1, 16 p., 105.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• Published
  Philips, G., Lifford, K., Edwards, A., Poolman, M. & Joseph-Williams, N., 1 Sept 2019, In: Palliative Medicine. 33, 8, p. 985-1002
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• Published
  Singh Curry, R., Evans, E., Raftery, A.-M., Hiscock, J. & Poolman, M., 3 Dec 2019, In: BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care. 9, 4, p. 381-388
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2017

• Published
  Johnstone, R. P., Poolman, M., Ryan, K., Schofield, P. & Watt, B., 27 Sept 2017, In: Palliative Medicine and Hospice Care. 3, 2, p. 32-38 7 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• Published
  Johnstone, R., Mitchell, H. & Poolman, M., May 2017.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster › peer-review
• Published
  Wilkinson, C., Poolman, M., Roberts, J., Wee, B., Hiscock, J., Hughes, D., Nelson, A., Perkins, P., Johnstone, R. P., Reymond, E., Foster, B., O'Connor, J., Jones, S., Hoare, Z., Roberts, R., Byrne, A., Healy, S. & Lewis, P., 1 Sept 2017.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster › peer-review
• Published
  Watt, B., Hiscock, J., Poolman, M. & Livingstone, T., 1 Sept 2017.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster › peer-review
• Published
  Johnstone, R. P., Poolman, M. & Mitchell, H. E., 28 Aug 2017, In: Palliative Medicine and Hospice Care. 3, 2, 7 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• Published
  Singh Curry, R., Evans, E., Poolman, M. & Hiscock, J., May 2017.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Other › peer-review

2016

• Published
  Johnstone, R. P., Ryan, K., Poolman, M., Richards, T. & Usborne, C., 1 Apr 2016.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster › peer-review
• Published
  Mitchell, H. E., Poolman, M., Johnstone, R. P. & Rawlinson, F., 1 Apr 2016.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster › peer-review

2015

• Published
  Welstand, J., Poolman, M. & George, J., May 2015.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster › peer-review
• Published
  Poolman, M., Mayland, C., Byers, J., Campkin, N., Antrobus, H. & Sharma, M., May 2015.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster › peer-review
• Published
  Johnstone, R., Mitchell, H. & Poolman, M., May 2015.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster › peer-review

2014

• Published
  France, B. D., Lewis, R. A., Sharma, M. L. & Poolman, M., 1 Mar 2014, In: BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care. 4, 1, p. 19-29
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2009

• Published
  Philp, R., Poolman, M., Martin, N. & Makin, M., 2009, In: European Journal of Palliative Care. 16, 3, p. 110 115 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2006

• Published
  Poolman, M. & Makin, M., 1 Apr 2006, In: Palliative Medicine. 20, 3
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Meeting Abstract › peer-review
• Published
  Makin, M., Poolman, M., Philp, R. & Martin, N., 1 Apr 2006, In: Palliative Medicine. 20, 3, p. 307
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Meeting Abstract › peer-review

2003

• Published
  Poolman, M. & Hough, S., 2003, In: Journal of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes of South Africa. 8, 2, p. 52-59
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2024

• Attending SPC/hospice colleagues in support of the Palliate package (derived from CARiAD) to be rolled out to the whole region. Agreement in principle sought, and obtained, from the group.

  18 Apr 2024

  Activity: Other (Advisor)

• 10 Apr 2024

  Activity: Invited talk (Speaker)

• 10 Apr 2024

  Activity: Invited talk (Speaker)

2023

• Workshop: Value-added palliative and end of life care in Wales.

  1 Nov 2023

  Links:

  Activity: Participation in Academic workshop, seminar, course (Chair)

• CARiAD presentation as part of ‘We’re here, this is what we do. Developing creative opportunities in rural communities’ workshop.

  Nov 2023 →

  Activity: Participation in Academic workshop, seminar, course (Speaker)

• Highest-scoring abstract, invited to present the annual Andy Fowell Memorial Lecture

  Oct 2023 →

  Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)

• Oral presentation, international conference

  16 Jun 2023

  Links:

  Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)

2022

• The aim of the activities outlined in this proposal is to accelerate the impact of the intervention as studied in the NIHR- funded CARIAD feasibility trial and subsequently implemented in clinical practice. The acceleration of the impact of carer-administration supported by this funding will be strengthened by the established external partnerships with BCUHB, Helix Centre (Imperial College London) and the national (UK) Community of Practice (CoP) (co-facilitated by MP). It will support the building of new collaborations and partnerships, including with patients and carers, policy makers, health care organisations and academic institutions. Activities will focus on IT support for the already established CoP (national network of HCPs), creating a social media presence for the intervention and working towards a national database/registry of important outcomes.

  Funding awarded through the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Innovation and Impact Award (Research Wales Innovation Funding). Value = £50,000

  1 Apr 2022 – 31 Mar 2023

  Activity: Other (Contributor)

• Presentation of North Wales CARiAD implementation and clinical outcomes. Introduction by Alison MacRobbie.

  9 Mar 2022

  Activity: Invited talk (Invited speaker)

2021

• 7 Jul 2021

  Activity: Oral presentation (Invited speaker)

• I am founding co-facilitator of the national community of practice for the intervention studied as part of the CARiAD feasibility RCT.

  2021 →

  Activity: Types of External academic engagement - Contribution to the work of national or international committees and working groups (Chair)

2020

• Oral presentation of CARiAD feasibility RCT results

  2020

  Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)

2019

• Oral presentation by Annie Hendry on behalf of CARiAD team.

  In this paper we discuss accounts of lay carers who have cared for a dying person at home during the last days of life. Many people nearing the end of life express a wish to die at home; the fulfilment of this wish often depends on the ability of a lay carer to support them at home during this difficult and emotional time. Relationships between carers and those they care for may experience change as the needs of an individual evolve, boundaries between the medical and the non-medical world shift, and end of life becomes increasingly closer.

  Healthcare professionals support those having a home death by visiting to administer medications. This can mean long waiting times which may contribute to distress and discomfort for patient and carer.

  In this study, lay carers were trained to give under the skin medications when needed. In depth interviews were conducted with carers and analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis.

  The rich and detailed accounts of carers in this study reveal the complexity of caring relationships during the last days of life and are intrinsically bound with the desire to fulfil wishes, alleviate pain and suffering and to contribute actively towards care. However, these factors are further intertwined with concerns regarding lay/ professional boundaries, carer burden and the potential for hastening death. This paper will shed light on the lived experiences of those caring for a dying person and the ways in which they navigate their way through this challenging time.

  5 Dec 2019

  Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)

• Oral presentation by Jess Richards on behalf of the CARiAD team

  27 Nov 2019

  Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)

• Oral presentation of CARiAD feasibility RCT results

  21 Nov 2019

  Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)

• Oral presentation of CARiAD results, poster presentation of protocol. Poster presentation was highly commended.

  24 Oct 2019

  Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)

• Joint oral presentation by CARiAD team and public contributor. CARIAD results poster also presented; won first prize.

  18 Oct 2019

  Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)

• Oral presentation of qualitative findings from the CARiAD project by Annie Hendry on behalf of the CARiAD team.

  11 Sep 2019

  Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)

2017

• Conversation article authored by Professor Clare Wilkinson.

  15 Mar 2017

  Links:

  Activity: Types of Public engagement and outreach - Media article or participation (Contributor)

• 01/01/2025 – 30/09/2025 (Finished)

• 01/10/2016 – 15/08/2018 (Finished)

  Description

  Preparatory work towards NIHR HTA commissioning brief 16/102

  Qualitative study (interviews with, and self-recorded brief accounts of primary and palliative care clinicians)

Clinical-academic leadership and professional roles

My career has combined clinical practice, research, education and leadership across university, NHS and independent hospice services. I have a particular interest in strengthening connections between these sectors to support research development, implementation of evidence-informed practice and improvements in palliative and end-of-life care.

Since January 2022, I have been Co-Clinical Director for Palliative Care at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB). My clinical experience spans community specialist palliative care, hospice care and collaboration with hospital and primary care services across North Wales. This provides an important foundation for identifying clinically relevant research questions, developing multidisciplinary collaborations and supporting implementation within complex health and care systems.

In July 2025, I was appointed Health and Care Research Wales Specialty Lead for Palliative and End-of-Life Care. This national role focuses on strengthening research participation, capacity and collaboration across Wales, including opportunities to involve NHS services, hospices and other care settings in research.

In October 2026, I was appointed Welsh Clinical Academic Training (WCAT) North Wales Lead, contributing to the development of clinical-academic career pathways and research capacity in the region.

Research governance and professional contribution

I contribute to national research governance and the development of research quality and capacity.

My roles include:

• 2025â€Ëð°ù±ð²õ±ð²Ô³Ù: Independent Steering Group Chair for an NIHR-funded research project (NIHR165740).

• 2021â€Ëð°ù±ð²õ±ð²Ô³Ù: Founding member and Co-chair of the UK National Community of Practice for lay carer administration of medication at the end of life.

• 2013–2019: Member of NIHR Health Technology Assessment Panel A (Primary Care), contributing to research prioritisation and funding assessment.

• 2015–2020: Lead of the UK national registry for percutaneous cervical cordotomy in cancer-related pain.

I have also contributed to peer review, regional research leadership and professional networks, including previous leadership of the North Wales Palliative Care Research Group.

Policy development, implementation and service improvement

A significant aspect of my clinical-academic contribution is translating research evidence into policy, professional practice and service improvement.

Through CARiAD, I have led clinical implementation in North Wales and contributed to All-Wales policy development, professional education and national knowledge mobilisation. This work has involved collaboration with patients and family carers, healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers and implementation partners.

From 2013 to 2024, I was Academic Lead for the Wales Collaborative Care Decisions Project, supporting the development and evaluation of approaches to care and decision-making in the last days of life.

My wider clinical and implementation experience includes service development in community and hospice palliative care, prison palliative care, heart failure palliative care and approaches to subcutaneous fluids. I have undertaken NHS Wales quality-improvement training (IQT Silver).

Across these activities, I am particularly interested in understanding the practical, professional and organisational factors that influence whether evidence-informed interventions are adopted and sustained in routine care.

Recognition and public engagement

I was awarded a National Clinical Impact Award (N0) in 2023, recognising my contribution and national impact beyond contractual clinical responsibilities. The award is effective from April 2022 to March 2027.

Other recognition includes the Health and Care Research Wales Innovation Award (2023), finalist recognition in the Macmillan Professionals Innovation Excellence Awards (2023), and finalist recognition in the St David Awards (2024).

I have contributed to public engagement and communication about palliative and end-of-life care through national media, professional conferences and public-facing educational activities. Materials associated with CARiAD have also been included in the Science Museum's collection.

I am a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (London).

Wider interests and collaboration

I have a longstanding interest in strengthening palliative care research and clinical-academic capacity in North Wales, particularly by connecting clinical services, universities, independent hospices and wider health and social care organisations.

My work increasingly includes opportunities for public involvement and engagement, improving understanding of dying and death, and developing collaborative approaches that enable research findings to influence policy, education and everyday care.

Originally from Namibia, I grew up speaking Afrikaans and am bilingual in Afrikaans and English. I studied Medicine at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, graduating cum laude in December 2000. I moved to the UK in 2001, completing postgraduate training in general internal medicine before specialising in Palliative Medicine. I became a Member of the Royal College of Physicians in 2004, completed specialty training in 2008 and was elected a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in 2012.

In February 2009, I took up a joint clinical-academic appointment in North Wales, initially with Cardiff University and subsequently ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, alongside my NHS consultant role. I have remained in North Wales since then, combining clinical practice, research, education and leadership across university, NHS and independent hospice settings.

My professional interests have developed through working with patients, families and colleagues, particularly in community palliative care. I value the opportunity to bring together different perspectives and disciplines, and to explore how questions arising in everyday clinical practice can lead to research, improvements in care and wider conversations about dying and death.

Outside work, I am married with two teenage daughters. Family life has contributed to my interest in how young people encounter and understand dying and death, and how schools might provide opportunities to explore these subjects in an informed and supportive way.

I have experience as a trustee of a charitable organisation, which has given me an appreciation of the responsibilities of governance and the contribution of voluntary organisations to communities.

Music is an important part of our family life. All four of us are musicians, and we are actively involved in making music, including through our church music group. I also enjoy creative pursuits.