June 2025
What does your job involve?
Over the past 7 years, I have been the matron for neonatal and paediatric research at Evelina London.
I am responsible for leading innovation and best practice through the delivery of clinical research.
As the co-lead for the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) paediatric clinical research facilities (Wolf and Seal), I aim to make sure that all Evelina London's families have the opportunity to be involved in clinical research. Throughout their involvement in research, our research teams make sure that the safety of patients is the number one priority.
I make sure that we have the infrastructure, expertise and resources to deliver clinical trials. I work alongside highly skilled medical, nursing and support staff to set up studies at Evelina London. I also work with individuals from outside our organisation.
Embedding research as part of clinical care is very important. Our goal is to create an open culture where research is seen as part of everybody’s business and woven into the fabric of our care.
Tell us about your career journey
After a rebellious decision not to take up a place to study law at university in Trinidad and Tobago, I decided to come back to England (the place of my birth) and started my nursing degree at King's College London in 1995. I qualified in 1998 as a children's nurse. Evelina London's services were based in Guy’s Hospital at that time, and I was involved in moving them to our current location. Some of my colleagues from that time are still working here today!
Earlier in my career, I worked at different hospitals (including Great Ormond Street Hospital) to deepen my experience. I developed a keen interest in governance, patient safety and leadership in healthcare. I worked in senior governance roles across maternity and children's services as well as working for the Medicines for Children’s Research Network. I also undertook a master's in executive healthcare management. Before being appointed to my current role, I was appointed to lead children services across 3 hospitals in South London.
Research has a key role to play in improving patient outcomes, preventing diseases, addressing health inequalities and developing knowledge around new and existing treatments for children and young people. This is why it is my passion.
I am proud that in the last 7 years, research capacity and capability has grown exponentially at Evelina London. Opening our clinical research facilities as well as expanding the number of our studies and specialities have been among the most meaningful achievements.
What's the best thing about your job?
Every day is an opportunity to learn, innovate and build a platform for safer, more informed care.
I work in a team of inspirational colleagues from diverse professional groups. I am excited about the difference our team makes in advancing clinical knowledge through the evaluation of new and existing treatments, technologies and interventions.
I also enjoy educating others about the role and contributions of clinical research nurses as a skilled expert workforce.
I love that my role makes use of my clinical skills and knowledge as well as my leadership skills to shape the delivery of care for our patients.
What are clinical trials and why are they important?
Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new treatments, medicines, therapies and medical devices.
There are several phases to clinical trials. Earlier phase studies focus on safety and the establishment of appropriate doses in a small group of participants.
Later phase studies look at larger groups. These studies play a very important role in advancing clinical knowledge, treatment options and patient care.
What are you working on at the moment?
We are working with clinical colleagues to set up gene therapy trials at Evelina London.
Gene therapy involves modifying genes in a person’s cells. This has been one of Evelina London's key areas of development for many years, so to see this finally coming to fruition is exciting.
Addressing health disparities and inequity of access is also an area of interest for me. We are working to understand the experiences of people who are underrepresented in research.
What is your proudest moment?
Being appointed to head up children's services across south London was a very proud moment for me. At the time of this appointment, I was a research nurse and to even be considered for such an influential role was unbelievable. As a Black woman, I often questioned whether I would ever be allowed a chair at such tables and whether a voice with a Trinidadian accent would ever be able to influence change at a strategic level.
Others believed in me, so I had no other choice but to believe in myself, my uniqueness, skills and contributions.
Representation is important and I try to be a mentor and an inspiration for others who dare to aspire to push boundaries.
One of my favourite quotes is by Michael Jordan: “Limits, like fears, are often just an illusion”.
How do you relax?
Two years ago, I would have said by spending hours at the gym doing high intensity training… Alas life is certainly a little slower now!
I have been working on making more time for what is important. My evenings are now spent crocheting, watching performances at the Royal Opera House, gardening and keeping young by attending festivals with my daughter!
Do you have any advice for young people considering a career similar to your own?
First and foremost, research is not about writing or reading boring articles!
Ask to shadow research teams and keep an inquisitive mind.
A solid grounding in clinical skills helps in every aspect of the role and think about your transferable skills (being meticulous, problem solving, attention to detail and a highly organised mind are great assets).
Growth is not linear, so do not give up. You have a space to be included and seen in this field.
Most importantly, love what you do… I still wake up with excited butterflies knowing that I may learn something new today!
Thank you to the children and young people who have so brilliantly illustrated our blog pages.