Karen Grimshaw, Registered Nurse

Professional Experience

I qualified as a Registered Nurse in 1985 and have developed extensive clinical expertise across a range of adult nursing specialisms. My experience spans elderly and dementia care, frailty services, falls prevention, long-term condition management, end-of-life care, pressure ulcer prevention, manual handling, mental capacity assessments, and safeguarding adults at risk. I have held senior nursing roles in both hospital and community settings, as well as within university organisations, where I have chaired professional practice panels and provided clinical leadership. Since retiring from full-time NHS roles, I continue to practise as a Registered Nurse through a national agency, working in community hospitals and registered care homes. These settings primarily involve the care of elderly and frail patients with complex needs, long-term conditions, and end-of-life care requirements.

Throughout my career, I have held leadership roles at ward, hospital, community, and board levels, including executive and non-executive director positions. These roles have focused on clinical leadership and have involved regular engagement in frontline care to inform strategic decision-making. I have led investigations into complaints and incidents, prepared reports for regulatory bodies, and presented findings at Coroners’ Inquests. I am co-director of a nursing consultancy business that provides professional support to healthcare teams, including clinical supervision, teaching, governance, and service development for older people and those living with dementia.

Professional Development

I maintain my professional development by attending relevant training courses/events.