Joan is currently Associate Director of Patient Safety for NHS England. A nurse by background, Joan trained at Middlesex Hospital in London and went on to do her BSc at Greenwich University in 1990.

Previously Joan worked for the National Patient Safety Agency where she was Head of Patient Safety (Anaesthesia and Surgery). This role involved developing national strategy for improving patient safety in anaesthesia and surgery.  Before then Joan was Head of Governance for the London Ambulance Service NHS Trust and Client Manager for Health Quality Service at the King’s Fund.

Out of work Joan enjoys walking and watching Rugby. Her favourite holiday destination is New Zealand which is perfect for both walking and Rugby!

Joan can be contacted at joanrussell@nhs.net