Meet the team

Catheryne Waterhouse, M.Sc, B.A (Hons) PGCE - Chair

Since qualifying in 1980 I have worked in the Neuroscience specialty, particularly Neuro Intensive care, as a ward Sister and clinical educator. In 2004 I took up the role of Education Lead in the Head and Neck Directorate at the Royal Hallamshire hospital in Sheffield, with responsibility for facilitating professional development of nursing staff on Ophthalmology, ENT, Maxillary-facial as well as the Neuroscience unit.

For the past four years I have had the opportunity of representing the interests of neuroscience nurses on the RCN Neuroscience forum. Working collaboratively with other members of the steering group we have tried to support and promote the work of specialist nurses on a range of issues associated with long-term conditions and caring for patients suffering with devastating progressive neurological disorder both in the acute trusts and in the community.

Amanda Hassall

Vicki Myson

Vicki Myson is Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist in Epilepsy based at The Alan Richens Unit/Welsh Epilepsy Centre at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.

Vicki’s experience includes developing epilepsy services between primary and secondary care, implementation of nurse led assessment service within the A&E Department. Special interests include Epilepsy, Pregnancy and Women’s Health, Epilepsy in Primary Care, and Management of Acute Seizures.

Victoria Matthews RGN MSc MBACP

My role is advisor to the MS Trust and this includes developing resources for all health and social care professionals who care for those affected by MS. I represent the MS Trust at key national/international meetings, fora and steering groups. I also have a clinical case load at Southampton University Hospitals Trust.

I am a member of the International Organisation of MS Nursing, the UK MS Specialist Nursing Association, the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, committee member of the Royal College of Nursing Neuroscience Forum and executive board member for RIMS (European Rehabilitation in MS).

I have Masters Degree in rehabilitation counselling and have worked as a nurse specialist and qualified counsellor in both general neurology and MS. My special interest is the emotional experience and existential challenges of living with MS.

Anthony Linklater

I am an Epilepsy specialist nurse and have been working at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London for the last 5 years. Prior to this, I have held similar positions at 2 Acute NHS Trusts and at the Epilepsy Society. I have been a Nurse Prescriber since 2004 and also have a masters degree in Epileptology. In my current position, I am responsible for managing the programming side of the hospital's Vagus Nerve Stimulation service as well as supporting medically and surgically managed individuals with epilepsy. I am particularly interested in adherence to medication and am leading a pilot project aimed at improving adherence to medication and providing support through the use of mobile phone technology. Iam also a visiting lecturer at London South Bank University.

Kirsten McHale

I am a paediatric sister at “Young Epilepsy” Formally The National Centre for Young People with Epilepsy. We have around 200 students with complex health needs, epilepsy and other neurological conditions. I have worked there for almost 2 years and absolutely love what I do. Iam currently undertaking an MSc in Epilepsy Practice, I am the lead nurse for professional development. I am part of a polytherapy research study group and now take pleasure in being part of the RCN neurosciences steering committee, I look forward to the challenges ahead.