'If I can inspire one person to take up study, I'd be a happy man' – Craig's story
18.07.24
A NORTH Wales nurse about to embark on a professional doctorate is encouraging others to pursue their own academic journeys.
Craig Brown, Clinical Development Lead for Service Transformation at NHS 111 Wales, already has a Cert in Health Studies, a Diploma in Health Emergency Planning, a BSc in Combined Health Studies and an MSc in Computer-Based Learning and Training.
Now the 55-year-old from Ynys Môn is pursuing a doctorate in Public Health.
Craig said: “One thing that struck me when I joined the service was the sheer breadth of knowledge, skills and compassion that my nursing colleagues and that of the wider NHS 111 Wales team have.
“One minute, you’re talking to someone about their chronic and complex illness and the next you’re giving advice about cradle cap.
“I already had qualifications under my belt at this point, but I was so in awe of the nurses in our team that it made me want to acquire even more skills to be the absolute best I could be – so that’s what I’m doing.
“The Clinical Leadership Team at NHS 111 Wales, of which I’m a member, has a philosophy about using our skills, qualifications and experience to ‘drop the ladder down’ to our colleagues to help them to climb too.
“If I can inspire just one person to take up study, I’d be a happy man.”
Despite his impressive credentials, study has not always been plain sailing for Craig, who is neurodiverse.
He said: “It was my MSc tutor in 2004 who first suggested I might have dyslexia.
“He also had it and suggested that what I’d written would make no sense to others, but it did to him.
“I wasn't formally assessed until 2016 while undertaking another MSc, which I was failing in.
“Suddenly, everything made sense, but just because my brain is wired differently, it doesn’t mean I’m any less capable.
“If I can do it, others can too.”
Craig has had a myriad of roles over his 34-year career as a nurse, including as an Emergency Department Charge Nurse, Resuscitation Officer, Emergency Planning Lead and Assistant Director of Olympic Preparedness, Emergency Planning and Business Continuity.
He joined NHS Direct Wales – now NHS 111 Wales – in 2017 as a Nurse Advisor and has since held the posts of Clinical Support Desk Senior Clinician, Senior Clinician Advisor and Specialist Clinical Lead.
In April, the Welsh Ambulance Service, which hosts NHS 111 Wales, was awarded University Trust status by Welsh Government in recognition of its commitment to develop its current and future workforce and to drive research and innovation.
Estelle Hitchon, the Trust’s Director of Partnerships and Engagement and lead for academic partnerships, said: “We were delighted to secure University Trust status back in April, but it’s much more than just a name change.
“It's recognition of our commitment to the education and development of all our people, regardless of their role in the organisation, and the world-class research we undertake to advance knowledge across unscheduled and emergency care and beyond, including in public health, which is so important.
“I'm delighted that Craig is realising his potential with support from his colleagues and the wider organisation, as well as consolidating our relationship with Bangor University.
“I am confident that securing University Trust status will continue to strengthen our links with universities nationally and internationally and position the Welsh Ambulance Service at the forefront of education, research and innovation in our sector.”
Dr Mike Brady, Assistant Clinical Director for Remote Clinical Care, and one of Craig’s doctoral supervisors, added: “Craig starting his doctoral-level study is incredibly exciting.
“There has been a need for more clinical academic roles in healthcare for a long time, coupled with more research in remote clinical practice.
“How Craig has been able to begin his professional doctorate by transitioning from MSc-level study shows how WAST can partner with universities and create more opportunities for staff.
“To achieve the status of consultant clinician, there is a requirement to complete PhD/professional doctorate-level study or have experience in leadership, strategy, learning, and research that is significantly higher or commensurate with doctoral-level study.
“Craig's doctoral journey now opens up the possibility of a clinical academic and consultant-level career, which WAST should be very excited about as a University Trust.
“My expectation is that Craig and those we are supporting to take similar journeys can then support others through their future journeys, building and sustaining consultant, clinical and academic careers in Wales.”
Craig’s doctorate at Bangor University was made possible by a scholarship with the Academy for Health Equity, Prevention and Wellbeing.
Craig, who is based in Bangor, said: “I’m keen to explore the opportunities for health promotion in remote clinical care, especially now the organisation is a named body under the Well-being of Future Generations Act.
“Currently, we’re a very reactive service which helps people when things have already gone wrong for them.
“With a million calls to 111 every year, imagine the opportunity there would be to signpost people to services that could help with their longer-term health issues, like how to quit smoking, healthy eating, wellbeing and exercise.
“As a pan-Wales service, accessed via a free-to-call number, it may also help address some current inequalities in health.
“We have a broader ambition as a Trust to provide the right care or advice, in the right place, every time, and I’m keen for any learning I glean from my doctorate to help us get there.
“Improving population health isn’t a quick fix, but eventually, we could start to see the pressures reduce in emergency departments and patient flow improve, which is a prospect which all of us in NHS Wales would relish, I’m sure.”
Dr Nathan Bray, Senior Lecturer in Preventative Health at Bangor University, added: “Craig initially enrolled on our Prevention, Population Health and Leadership MSc programme as a scholarship student, and has since progressed onto a doctorate.
“Craig was one of the standout students on our MSc programme; his commitment to learning and development was reflected in his assignments and insightful classroom contributions.
“Craig’s journey exemplifies how education can inspire both personal and professional development.”
Craig considers how fortunate he is, living in Ynys Môn, and being able to undertake a national role with NHS 111 Wales, whilst also studying at his local university in Bangor.
He has a passion for the coast and spends most of his spare time walking his three rescue Border Collie dogs, volunteering with British Divers Marine Life Rescue to help injured and stranded seals and dolphins, and SUP and kayaking.
When he is not in or by the water, he also enjoys the racket sport pickleball, regularly competing in the Ynys Môn and Gogledd Cymru Leagues, or learning to play the saxophone.