A FORMER nurse who spent time working in Cumbria is returning to the county as deputy vice chancellor of the University of Cumbria.

Professor Patricia Livsey joins from Plymouth University where she is currently dean in the Faculty of Health and Human Sciences.

Her new role will see her take responsibility for the academic portfolio of the university including the delivery and quality of programmes and the teaching and learning experience of students.

“Through the development of our new strategic plan and the close engagement we have had with key stakeholders and employers, we know that the University of Cumbria has huge opportunities in the region,” vice chancellor Professor Julie Mennell said.

“Patricia’s role will be vital in ensuring the university offers the right kind of experience for students and that our staff continue to set a precedent when it comes to proving engaging ‘real world’ research.”

Professor Livsey began her career as a paediatric staff nurse in Leeds and later became a health visitor in Cumbria before entering academia.

Her research in child health is focused on health inequalities and she led the initial development of children’s community nursing services in North Cumbria.

Professor Livsey said she was 'delighted' to begin working in the role and was 'very much looking forward to working with colleagues to contribute to the university’s development and continued success'.

"This is a challenging time for the sector, but there are also opportunities and I believe that the university has great potential to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead," she said.