Chris trained at Glasgow University as a Registered General Nurse in 1992. His main ambition is to improve life for patients and families affected by stroke. His research concentrates on closing the gaps between evidence and the delivery of care. He has grown a significant programme of research, mainly in stroke, nursing and rehabilitation, and has supported service improvement through a wide range of bespoke organisational development programmes. His current research (value approx. £5M) is investigating the cost and clinical effectiveness of rehabilitation; improving clinical decision-making in end of life care; peer support in a range of health conditions; policy and practice around safe staffing in the NHS; and the impact of the Francis Inquiry in NHS England. Healthcare improvement has been facilitated through development programmes commissioned by NHS organisations, the Department of Health and the Scottish Government. Chris has co-led the development of Implementation Research at Bangor University, recognised by key stakeholders as internationally excellent. His leadership in this area was recently recognised through a personal award from the Health Foundation as an Improvement Science Fellow. As Head of School, his ambition is to ensure that the resources of the University are able to support the development of healthcare and health in North Wales.

His current research (value approx. £5M) is investigating the cost and clinical effectiveness of rehabilitation; improving clinical decision-making in end of life care; peer support in a range of health conditions; policy and practice around safe staffing in the NHS; and the impact of the Francis Inquiry in NHS England. Healthcare improvement has been facilitated through development programmes commissioned by NHS organisations, the Department of Health and the Scottish Government. Chris has co-led the development of Implementation Research at Bangor University, recognised by key stakeholders as internationally excellent. His leadership in this area was recently recognised through a personal award from the Health Foundation as an Improvement Science Fellow. As Head of School, his ambition is to ensure that the resources of the University are able to support the development of healthcare and health in North Wales.