Stella studied occupational therapy in Dublin in the sixties, patient centred care highlighted as the key to rehabilitation.
Community work, Newry and Inverness, brought invaluable experience in, housing design, adaptations, specialist equipment for individual patient needs.
Hospital based experience, Paisley, Alston and Dumfries ended prematurely following 1994 cancer diagnosis.
Her cancer experience led to advocacy, helping patients communicate their worries, concerns to healthcare professionals.
Contributing to various voluntary roles:
- Supporting patients at Macmillan CISC
- Using personal experiences to help others, CEP
- IJB Representative
- Research, Edinburgh University
- Currently representing patients views within RCGP; SAS; NHS24; UCL
