I trained as a physiotherapist and now work as a chief allied health professional (AHP), a clinical leader for 15 different professions. I have worked in the NHS for over 30 years and during my physiotherapy career I have designed and delivered rehabilitation services in many settings with a focus on critical care, respiratory diseases and community-based rehabilitation for older people.

I am passionate about rehabilitation and ensuring older people in the UK can access services designed to make a real difference by helping people recover from illness or injury and live longer, with a good quality of life. As our population ages and lives longer, with multiple health conditions, rehabilitation is crucial for restoring independence and wellbeing.

I plan to research rehabilitation services in countries where typically older people live longer, are valued by society and their rehabilitation needs are met, to inform UK rehabilitation services design. I will research service provision in Japan and Denmark where older people more easily access activity, exercise, rehabilitation services and community support to improve their physical independence and wellbeing in later life.