Julia Cons

Project Title: Promoting direct democracy in the NHS in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire

What were you doing before starting this PhD?

I was contemplating what direction I would take next! Having completed my degree at 40, and then an MBA, I discovered that, in stark contrast to my younger self, I really enjoy education, research, and learning. This may well come as shock to my poor teachers and anyone who went to school with me. I have worked along side the NHS in non-executive director and lay member roles for over 20 years so this opportunity is a perfect opportunity for me. 

What motivated you to apply for this specific PhD project?

Patient and public involvement in the NHS is something very close to my heart both professionally and as a patient. The NHS has committed that patients will be at the heart of everything the organisation does. I believe that people who make up the NHS have embraced this ambition and that researching the best ways to achieve this can only help to make it happen. 

What difference do you hope to make in Nottingham through this research? 

I hope that working alongside the NHS in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire towards improving patient and public involvement, will enable the voices of communities to be better heard and understood, both as the project is ongoing and into the future.

What do you hope to be doing in 5 years’ time? (personally and/or professionally) 

There are always more holidays to be had! Between them, I would like to be utilising the skills and expertise honed through my PhD to work with NHS colleagues to improve healthcare provision, and ultimately public health and public satisfaction with the care they receive.