About

I always wanted to be a Paediatrician. Since qualifying as a doctor in 2004, training as a Paediatrician and finally becoming a Consultant Paediatrician in Community Child Health in 2018; my enthusiasm for working with children and their families has always driven me forwards.

Through volunteer work prior to medical school I developed an interest in Autism. Working closely with an affected child and their family allowed me experience their struggles and successes on a daily basis and gave me an insight into family life when a child has additional needs.

Whilst training I became aware of the poor outcomes for children who grow up in care and became passionate about working with children in care, those in need of safeguarding and those looking for permanent families through fostering and adoption. Due to this work I have gained experience in the difficulties this cohort of children face such as developmental trauma, increased learning and developmental difficulties, the effects of antenatal drug misuse and Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). From 2019 I led the creation of an NHS based Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder diagnostic service in the North East.

I am committed to ensuring children and young people get the right understanding and support through sensitive assessment and diagnosis.