Leading academic appointed as Florence Nightingale Foundation Chair in Clinical Nursing Practice Research

A leading expert on wound care and pain has been appointed to the post of Florence Nightingale Foundation Chair in Clinical Nursing Practice Research at The University of Manchester.

Professor Michelle Briggs was appointed to the role in partnership with the Florence Nightingale Foundation of The University of Manchester and Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CMFT).

Professor Briggs is currently Professor of Nursing at Leeds Beckett University, where she is also Co-Director of the Pain Research Team. Her research is contributing to a greater understanding of the difference nurses can make for people in pain. She has an international reputation for her research in wound and pain and she works closely with colleagues in the NHS and patients to ensure that her research addresses important questions for patients and for clinical practice.   Her current research programme has two themes – improving patients’ experience of pain management and addressing inequalities in pain management particularly for those in pain who are marginalised or where pain may go unrecognised.

Professor Dame Nicky Cullum, Head of the Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work at The University of Manchester, said: “The establishment of this Florence Nightingale Foundation Chair acknowledges the importance of ensuring nursing care is informed by good research evidence. Michelle’s expertise is in wound care and pain, areas where it is vitally important that we improve the outcomes and experiences of patients. We are delighted she is joining us and her wealth of clinical and academic experience will boost the translation of evidence into practice in Manchester.”

Cheryl Lenney, Chief Nurse at Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:

We are delighted to be a key partner in the joint appointment of such a prestigious Chair in Clinical Nursing Practice Research. Professor Briggs will work closely with our nursing teams at Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to further enhance the quality of nursing care delivered to our patients through the application and advancement of nursing research.

Professor Elizabeth Robb OBE, Chief Executive of the Florence Nightingale Foundation, said: “In line with the Foundation’s vision, Michelle Briggs’ appointment continues the tradition of research that will ultimately influence patient care. She will be joining our nine other Foundation Chairs across the UK, creating a vibrant network of researchers at the forefront of practice.”

Professor Briggs said: “I am thrilled to be taking up the post of Florence Nightingale Foundation Chair in Clinical Nursing Practice Research. I am looking forward to working with the teams in the University of Manchester, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the Florence Nightingale Foundation. This is a great opportunity to contribute to developing excellence in clinical nursing research and practice so that patients benefit from improved care.”