Here's Medical SAU's new Corporate Lead for Advanced Clinical Practice, Deborah Lau, who started her new job a few weeks ago.

This is a brand-new role at CHFT, and has been designed to lead the advanced practice agenda across the Trust. Deborah will link with regional and national stakeholders to support future workforce design and planning, promote excellence in training and supervision, as well as lead the professional development for Nurses, Midwives and AHPs, ensuring safe governance processes are included to maximise patient safety and experience.

Now you know her role, let's find out more about Deb:

Hello my name is...

Deb Lau and I have worked for CHFT for 10 years. I love the outdoors, being with friends and generally enjoying life.

What is your current role and career background?

I have just started as Corporate Lead Advanced Clinical Practitioner. My career before this has been predominantly in Emergency Medicine, starting out in Leeds and Bradford Teaching Hospitals before moving to CHFT. I've worked my way from Staff Nurse to Sister and Clinical Educator to my current role.

For the past few years, I have been based in Acute Medicine, working within the Advanced Clinical Practitioner Team. I also work as a lecturer practitioner at Huddersfield University supporting and training trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioners from around the region.

What is the highlight of your career so far?

A really difficult question. I have worked with so many brilliant people and teams over the years. One of my career highlights was using my skills to support those in need during the Haitian earthquake in 2010 and typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines in 2013 with the support of CHFT.

Sum up your role in three words.

Moving Practice Forward.

Who is your hero/heroine and why? 

My husband who has overcome adversity, and British equestrian, Ros Canter. Anyone who is 5ft 2in and competes at the highest level whilst riding a 1200lb animal with its own mind deserves the upmost respect.

What did you want to be growing up? 

A physiotherapist. 

When you are not at work, how do you relax? 

Spending time with family and friends, walking my dogs and riding my horse, Clifford.

What would people be surprised to know about you? 

I used to be a championship hurdler (in my younger days).

Advice to anyone starting out in the NHS?

Working for the NHS gives you so many opportunities to explore and find the speciality you love all whilst working in fantastic, diverse, multi-disciplinary teams. It also gives you the privilege of seeing the reality of life, the best and worst of what life brings.