Rachel Dennis BSc, MSc

Having studied for a BSc in Social studies with a dissertation about caring for a relative with Alzheimer's disease and consequently studying for an MSc which introduced further research methods I have an active interest in the field of dementia research.

Now working as the Service Manager for Greater Manchester for the Alzheimer's Society I am involved in the development and expansion of our services in the area whilst using research tools and methods as a base for this work. I also have personal experience of caring for a relative with Alzheimer's and therefore welcome any research, and would like to help develop research, into the care of those who suffer from dementia.

Yvonne Woodward BSc, MSc

I graduated from Liverpool John Moores University in 2001 with a Bsc(Hons) in Applied Psychology. I then worked for Manchester University for 4 years researching the prevention and treatment of depression and anxiety following hip fracture, and interventions to reduce “agitation” in people with a dementia. During this time I completed my Masters degree (MRes) in research methods in psychology.

I am currently in my second year of my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Liverpool. I have a special interest in working with people with dementia, and for my thesis am conducting a qualitative piece of work looking at subjective experience of quality of life.

Janette Malham, Registered General Nurse, DMS

I qualified as a registered nurse in 1984 initially practicing in neurosurgery prior to moving to the independent sector in 1991. I am currently Group Operations Director for the Northern portfolio of homes, covering over 300 homes in the North East and North West of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

I have gained extensive experience in providing care services to the elderly and am committed to the development of services based on best practice.

I sit on the Southern Cross Central Health and Safety and Risk Management committees and see the development of the Ethics committee as a key element in further enhancing the care we provide to our service users.

Colin Sheeran, Dementia Consultant and Chair of the PEER Group

Since graduating as an RMN I have practised in dementia care in the independent sector since 1994.

Previously held positions include both Home and Operations Manager before working as the Dementia Consultant for both Ashbourne and Southern Cross.

As a member of NAPA Strategic Planning Group I am a regular contributor and speaker at dementia and nursing home conferences and seminars.

I hope to bring my understanding of the process and practical application of research to my role as Chair and hope to progress the work already achieved by the group.

Julie Lawles, Care Home Resident

My name is Julie and I am 47 years of age. Before moving to Richmond House in Leigh I lived in Lowton with my mum. I have a brother called Gary.

My hobbies and interests include stamp collecting, playing dominoes, watching Warrington play rugby and watching football (I’m a Liverpool fan and proud of it!). I also like to do word searches.

I wanted the chance to be able to voice my opinion on various issues on behalf of both myself and other people living in the home. I feel that joining the ethics committee will provide the opportunity to do this.

Joanne Goodwin, Home Manager, St Martins (Liverpool)

I have over 17 years experience in care of the older adult and have held a management post for the last 3 years. I have joined the Southern Cross Peer Group as I have a genuine interest in safeguarding the rights of the people living in our homes and through the use of evidence based practice we can ensure the best possible outcomes for everyone.

Judith Russell

My name is Judith Russell, a practising community midwife and the daughter of a lady living in one of the Southern Cross homes. I have been elected to sit on the ethics committee as a lay member due to my interest in ensuring that quality care is delivered to people living in the homes. I believe that evidence based practice is the best way of doing this and I wholeheartedly support research in order to achieve this.

Mick Daffin

I am 67 and married to Frances for 47 years with 3 children and 6 grandchildren. I presently reside at The Vale in Bolsover. On leaving school I served an indentured apprenticeship as an electrician. After some years, I decided to join the Derbyshire Constabulary as a Police Constable. After serving for about 8 years, I decided to return to the trade of electrician. My working life came to an abrupt end in October 1990 when I suffered a stroke. This was followed some time later by another, smaller one. I was eventually diagnosed as having vascular dementia and TIA’s. It became necessary to start respite care, but even with this, and hospital day care, I could see and understand that care at home was starting to affect my dear wife’s health. At this point I decided it was time to go in to full time care.

I must say that I feel I was very fortunate, and it was very important to me, to have been able to make this decision myself. I have now been a full time resident at The Vale for 10 years. All my family, particularly my wife and I, are of course only too well aware of the problems and effects on normal life this illness can cause. I therefore believe the first hand experience will be a valued contribution to my work within this ethics committee.

Wendy McDonough, Operations Manager

I’m currently employed as an Operations Manager within the Southern Division of the Southern Cross group. I am a Registered mental Health Nurse with a BSc in Nursing. My clinical and managerial experiences include working for the NHS and independent and private sectors, my work being in both the acute and continuing care settings. I have specialised in care of older people, including people living with the experience of dementia, for a number of years. In addition, I have been involved in the commissioning and registration of care homes and previously worked as a care home manager. Other projects that I have been involved in include rehabilitation into the community.

I believe myself to be an enthusiastic and motivated individual who is committed to positively contributing to the principles and ethos of this ethics committee.

Joy Hardy, Committee Secretary

My name is Joy Hardy and I have been elected as Committee Secretary and am looking forward to this role. I qualified as an RGN in 1980. Since 1988 I have worked in a number of independently run care homes. I have been in my current post as Home Manager of Moorend Place, Sheffield, since June 2007. My hope is to continue to develop the homes, and possibly other homes in the division, through the application of research based practices which will provide the best possible outcomes for the people living in the houses.

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