Mary initially trained as a nurse working extensively in both the private and public sectors prior to moving into management and research. Managing the Research and Clinical Audit department at the Countess of Chester NHS Foundation Trust for 13 years, she reviewed and oversaw many national, multi-site clinical trials and research projects. Having worked for over twenty years with people with dementia, Mary decided to leave the NHS and establish Memcheck – a cognitive screening service for people experiencing Mild Cognitive Impairment and dementia. During this time, she also worked for Care Quality Commission (CQC) as a Special Advisor (Mental Health) on hospital inspections. she undertook this role for 4 years and was required to oversee and objectively evaluate the effectiveness of Risk and Governance frameworks in healthcare across England. These evaluations of systems management included documentation, processes and outcomes in both Acute and Community Trusts, Private and NHS sectors.
With specific interests specialising on neurocognitive impairment and its impact on the ageing brain, Mary has obtained funding from Department of Transport and is currently researching the effect of cognitive impairment in the older driver. She also sits on the Secretary of State for Transport’s Honorary Medical Advisory Panel on Driving and Psychiatric Disorders. Other research interests include Stroke and neuroplasticity, Dementia, App development and the impact of Virtual Reality on the impaired brain.In her spare time Mary pursues the search and appreciation of fine wines and the impact this has on the ageing brain! She also strives for cognitive stimulation in the form of theatre and films, and engages in long walks in the hope of maximising neuroplasticity and achieving eternal youth!
