Press release -
UCLan professor Caroline Watkins recognised by the Stroke Association
A professor from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has been recognised with a Special Recognition Life After Stroke Award, for her contribution to improving the lives of stroke survivors through better stroke care and research.
Professor Caroline Watkins was presented with her award by Elaine Roberts, the Stroke Association’s Director of North of England Life After Stroke Services, at the celebratory event in Salford, on Thursday 22 September 2016.
A Professor of Stroke and Older People's Care, Caroline is the only nursing professor of her kind in the UK. Professor Watkins leads one of the largest stroke care research teams in the country and has been working in stroke research for 20 years. In those 20 years, she has worked closely with Elaine and the Stroke Association’s services, training and research teams to improve the quality of stroke care.
Professor Watkins said: “It is truly fantastic to receive this award personally, and on behalf of my team. Both myself and my team are committed to trying to prevent this devastating condition, and to reducing the impact of stroke on people’s lives. Everyone in the team goes above and beyond to not only do the best and most relevant research, but to support the implementation of findings into practice through supporting service development and staff training in keeping with the Stroke-Specific Education Framework.
“However, we can’t do this alone, and work very closely with some amazing people. It’s because of the stroke specialist and stroke relevant staff who work along the stroke care pathway, and of course numerous people who have been patients or carers, without whom we wouldn’t be sure we were doing things in the right way at the right time.”
Caroline received her certificate at a celebratory event at the AJ Bell Stadium in Salford on Thursday 22 September. Her certificate was presented Elaine Roberts, Director of Life After Stroke Services at the Stroke Association.
Chris Larkin, Regional Director for the Stroke Association in the North West, added: “A stroke happens in an instant and often changes lives forever. Professor Watkins is truly dedicated to improving stroke care for patients, as well as working to put stroke research into practice. She is completely deserving of this Special Recognition Award and we were thrilled to present her with the accolade at our regional Life After Stroke Awards.”
The Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Awards recognise the courage shown by stroke survivors and carers as well as the great work and commitment shown by health professionals, groups and supporter organisations. For more information visit www.stroke.org.uk/LASA
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A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is one of the largest causes of disability. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke.
Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk
