Susan Foyle appointed honorary Professor of Practice

Susan Foyle, Director of Midwifery at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT), will take up the role at the University of Cumbria.

She brings more than 40 years of experience to the university’s Faculty of Health.

Ms Foyle said: "I am truly honoured to accept this role and am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside university colleagues.

"Together, I hope we can inspire the next generation of midwives and healthcare professionals while continuing to improve outcomes for the communities we serve."

Her career includes senior executive positions in Australia, where she served as executive director of nursing, midwifery, quality and safety at Central Queensland Hospital and Health Services.

In that role, she was the professional lead for 2,500 registered nurses and midwives across 15 facilities.

She was also given the 2019 Association of Queensland Nursing and Midwifery Leaders Outstanding Achievement Award.

Ms Foyle has experience in higher education, having been appointed as an adjunct professor at Central Queensland University and lecturing in midwifery at the University of Nottingham.

At UHMBT, she is the professional lead for midwives and neonatal nurses across the trust.

Professor Karen Stansfield, dean of the Faculty of Health at the University of Cumbria, said: "It’s fantastic to welcome someone as experienced as Susan to our Faculty of Health.

"Having worked in healthcare systems in both the UK and Australia, the university will benefit from her expertise and professional networks.

"Her current leadership role at UHMBT – one of our key regional NHS partner organisations – presents a significant opportunity to strengthen collaboration in healthcare education, professional development, student learning, workforce innovation and research."

The university is ranked number one in the North West and among the top five universities in the UK for graduate outcomes.