Meet the senior nursing team

Debbie Shanahan

Director of nursing, midwifery and patient services (Interim)

I am proud to have been a nurse for over 30 years, much of which has been based at Northampton General Hospital.  My experience has been in a variety of settings and includes Surgical Nursing, Gynaecology, Head and Neck, Maternity and setting up a Nurse led one stop Pre-Operative Assessment Service.

I have the privilege to lead a fantastic team and to provide senior nursing leadership ensuring delivery of high care standards care and patient experience. I’m responsible for the strategic direction and overall provision of the management of nursing services. I am a passionate nurse who has been a part of a senior team in the achievement of ‘Pathway to Excellence®’ designation and I want to empower nursing to ensure best possible patient care.

Helen Lidbetter

Deputy Director of nursing, midwifery and patient services (Interim)

I have worked at Northampton for the past 18 years initially as a Critical Care Sister and then through Senior Nurse roles.

I have had the privilege to lead a fantastic team through several innovative development changes, which in the last 2 years includes leading on our Shared Decision Making Councils, introducing recognition programmes such as DAISY and being part of the senior team in the achievement of ‘Pathway to Excellence®’ designation. I have the passion to drive the profession forward through innovation and improvement with a deep seated belief in meaningful recognition and staff empowerment for change, resulting in improved patient care.

Lisa Husbands

Associate Director of Nursing - Medicine

Elaine Dolden

Associate Director of Nursing - Surgery 

Jo Smith

Associate Director of Nursing - Women's, Childrens, Oncology and Haematology 

Julie Hall

Associate Director of Nursing - Head of Safeguarding

Ilene Machiva

Associate Director of Midwifery

Gill Ashworth

Associate Director of Professional and Practice Development

I have been involved in the learning and development of staff and colleagues since undertaking my Registered Operating Department Practitioner (RODP) training 27 years ago. I have experience in the private sector of education, Higher Education Institutions, a strategic Health Authority and various Trusts across the UK and overseas.

I led the first cohort of female ODP students to successful qualification in the Middle East. I am a mentor for the Council of Deans ‘150 Student leaders’ programme. I am privileged to be leading a team of practice development staff that ensure our health care support workers, nursing associates, nurses and midwives are supported through their professional and clinical development journey, to deliver the best possible care to our patients. 

Emily Lambert

Associate Director of Nursing - Pathway to Excellence^® Lead