Meet the team

Susan Woodward- Chair

Sue Woodward has worked within the field of neurosciences nursing almost exclusively since she qualified as a registered nurse in 1988 and has worked in a number of regional neuroscience units around London. Following the successful completion of a MSc in clinical neuroscience and post-graduate teaching qualification, Sue became a full-time lecturer at King's College London in 1999. She has completed a four-year term as head of department for specialist and palliative care and has recently completing her PhD studies investigating the effectiveness of reflexology for women with chronic idiopathic constipation.

Sue has particular interests and expertise in bladder and bowel care within neurosciences, complementary therapies (having qualified as a reflexologist in 2003) and management of patients with long-term neurological conditions. She is a member of the Royal College of Nursing Neurosciences Forum committee, founding editor and Editor-in-Chief of the British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing and was a member of the NICE Guideline Development Group for urinary incontinence in neurological disorders.

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.