Mrs Kate Grafton

Kate Grafton qualified as a physiotherapist in 1997 and worked for many years as a highly specialised cardiovascular and respiratory clinician working in the fields of intensive care, oncology, transplant and surgery within the NHS. Kate came into physiotherapy education in 2004 and over the past 12 years has developed a highly successful physiotherapy course with innovative and inspiring modules that prepare the students for practice in the ever evolving field of healthcare. Kate has a keen interest in developing students as reflective practitioners, utilising resilience, leadership and transformative strategies in her teaching practice. Impact of work Kate is passionate and creative in her teaching, often using simulation, games and medical humanities to tackle challenging topics such as palliative care. Kate describes the real satisfaction of a job well done is how many students end up working in the field of respiratory care after graduation. Meeting ex-students, many years qualified on placement visits working in the speciality and still using the tips and tricks, the learning and tools she encouraged, is the best feeling in the world and the real indicator of how these students have truly embraced the resilience she instilled in them. Kate is also committed to development of healthcare education outside of the university and has developed long term, successful partnerships with several organisations in the UK and internationally. Kate has also been nominated for and been awarded numerous university Achieving Excellence and Golden Robes awards including personal tutor, motivator, inspirational teacher and course leader of the year. Plans for the future Kate is currently undertaking training in mindfulness practice and has introduced very popular taster sessions to her students which she hopes to expand on in the future. Resilience and leadership skills are highlighted as key areas of development by both the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and NHS Leadership Academy. Kate has been embedding these aspects for several years now and hopes to continue to expand on her knowledge and research in this rapidly developing area.