A life in healthcare
During her career, having trained as a children's nurse, Dame Liz held a variety of registered nurse, midwife and health visitor posts before supporting the nursing profession nationally, becoming Deputy Chief Nursing Officer for England and serving as Director of Nursing / Lead Director for reviews and inspections at the Commission for Health Improvement.
She was a Fellow of the Royal College of Nursing, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, the Queen’s Nursing Institute and the Institute of Health Visiting.
In 2009 she was awarded the DBE for services to nursing and healthcare.
Her most recent roles included commissioner on the Midlands Engine Health Inequalities Post Covid Commission, Vice-Chair of the UK children's charity Together for Short Lives, membership of Southwell Cathedral Council and Nomination Committee and clinical advisor to Nourish.
Previously, Dame Liz was the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire for 2020/21, Vice President of Rainbows Children’s Hospice, and an advisor to Justice Defenders.
Dame Liz was well known to our university community, having served as a University Council member from August 2009 until December 2018 and as University Vice-President from January 2012 through to the end of her tenure in December 2018.
In addition, she was an honorary professor in the School of Health Sciences since 2000 to the present day and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) by the university in 2003.
Sadly, Dame Liz died on Sunday 12 May on her 75th birthday, and the day that she was due to step down as her role as Vice Lord-Lieutenant.
The university extends its deepest condolences to her family at this extremely difficult time.