University honours UK’s leading lights of arts, health, culture and industry
A legendary TV producer, England’s leading nurse, an artist renowned for his fantastical inventions, a Knighted headteacher, Hong Kong’s chief engineer and a former newspaper editor were among those being honoured by the University of Sunderland at the summer graduation ceremonies, in recognition of their outstanding contribution to their industries.
The Honoraries were joined by almost 3,000 graduates receiving awards from University Chancellor Steve Cram CBE, during a week of ceremonies at the Stadium of Light.
Lisa Bayliss-Pratt has been a community care worker, nurse, ward manager, academic, teacher and researcher, and is an influential figure in initiatives to improve patient care and advance the quality of the nursing profession. She joined Health Education England in 2012 as Director of Nursing, and is now also Deputy Director of Education and Quality. In her early career, Lisa worked in a variety of nursing roles across the public and private sector specialising in emergency care and surgery. Lisa was also instrumental in the roll-out of Flying Start England, the national development programme for all newly qualified nurses, midwives and allied health professionals in NHS England. Lisa received an Honorary Doctorate of Science.
Danny Thompson received an Honorary Fellowship. He is Head Coach with City of Sunderland Amateur Swimming Club, and last year won Coach of the Year award at the 2015 North East Disability Sports Awards. He has also been selected by British Swimming as one of its group of coaches preparing for the Paralympic Games in Rio.