Nicole Lavin

Nicole Lavin (PGCHEP, MSc, BSc with Honours) Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist

Neurological Physiotherapy is my passion and I am driven to improve the neurological patient journey through physiotherapy intervention.

This interest started early in my career – as a student actually. I saw early on how Neurological Physiotherapy could positively impact so many patients and carers. Following successfully completing my undergraduate degree I worked within the NHS completing Junior and Senior rotations before specialising in Neurological Rehabilitation. This was complemented by my MSc where my research dissertation looked at physiotherapy functional measures post stroke.

I worked within Stroke Services within the NHS and helped set up an Early Supported Discharge Team for Stroke. Although my passion for stroke rehabilitation was evident I also enjoyed working with adults experiencing other neurological conditions and symptoms.

My career path changed in 2014 when I decided to take up a lecturing position and further my education by completing my Post Graduate Certificate in Health Education Practice (PGCHEP). I took up the position of Neurological Physiotherapy lead for the undergraduate programme at The University of Bradford and spent the first few years transforming the module to incorporate up to date evidence and to bring practical experience to students. My passion to help them understand and flourish in neurological physiotherapy is evident as I founded the unique Student Supervised Neurological Physiotherapy Clinic within the University Physiotherapy and Sport clinic. This clinic is a very successful clinic as it offers assessment, advice and treatment to adults experiencing neurological problems at an affordable price. It also allows students real life experience whilst under the supervision of a specialist therapist. The clinic environment is a more natural healthcare environment for the students and they therefore do not feel like they are being assessed but are there to learn and enhance their skills whilst offering a much needed service to the public. This service also allows me to maintain some clinical contact alongside practical skills. The success of the University Physiotherapy Clinic helped the Physiotherapy Team secure the highest national teaching award within higher education in 2019.

I am delighted to be working as one of the A Stroke of Luck Expert Team. The charity’s vision and values match with mine and I have no doubt that stroke survivors across the globe will benefit from A Stroke of Luck’s services.

Outside of my working life I am a mum to three children aged 8, 6 and 18 months. I am also a very keen runner.