Lancashire health leader appointed as a University of Cumbria Professor of Practice

On International Nurses' Day 2026, the University of Cumbria is delighted to announce that Sarah Morrison, Chief Nursing Officer and Deputy Chief Executive at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, is returning to her alma mater after being awarded an honorary Professor of Practice role within the University of Cumbria’s Institute of Health.

The appointment reflects Sarah’s outstanding contributions to nursing leadership, research, and the advancement of clinical practice across Lancashire and South Cumbria. Sarah completed her nursing diploma and degree at University of Cumbria and is delighted to be returning to work in partnership with her home university. 

In addition to her leadership role at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, Sarah is the Lead Provider Chief Nurse for Research across the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care System, championing innovation and ensuring research is embedded into everyday clinical practice.

Sarah has supported her team to contribute to national developments including a research manual for matrons and enabling many colleagues to undertake research degrees and apply for prestigious fellowships. 

She has also contributed to European research and impact in her role as Principal Investigator for Lancashire Teaching Hospitals in the Magnet4Europe study – a landmark project aimed at transforming the health and wellbeing of nurses to improve patient safety and quality of care. In this study, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Trust achieved an outstanding ranking of third out of 67 participating organisations for safety culture.

Sarah was also the executive sponsor for the trust’s team that participated in the national NHS Race and Health Observatory maternity improvement programme focused on reducing the incidence of postpartum haemorrhage in global majority women. 

A driving force for education, research and innovation, Sarah has been instrumental too in implementing new workforce models and supporting the development of new clinical roles. These include expanding Advanced Clinical Practitioner roles, enabling career progression for nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals.

The Professor of Practice role recognises individuals eminent in their field of practice and draws upon their talent and standing to enhance the curriculum, experience and environment for students.

Sarah Morrison said:

“I am honoured to have been awarded the role of Professor of Practice with the University of Cumbria. The university has played such an important part in shaping both my personal and professional journey, I have been inspired by so many in the university and I know it holds the same significance for many others too.  

“I am so excited to have the opportunity to work with the university and contribute in a meaningful way to its ongoing mission to inspire and equip graduates, communities, the economy and the environment to thrive.”

Professor Karen Stansfield, Dean of the Institute of Health, University of Cumbria, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Sarah as a Professor of Practice, back to the place where it all began for her. Her vast expertise and experience will contribute to the quality education that we provide here to future generations of nurses and allied health professionals.”

ENDS