Michael Trafford, Registered Mental Health Nurse

Professional Experience

I qualified as a Mental Health Nurse in 1985 and have extensive experience across mental health services. For three years, I was Senior Nurse on a specialist in-patient dementia assessment unit, responsible for differential diagnosis, comprehensive medical and nursing assessments, and care planning, including discharge arrangements.

My career spans NHS provider and commissioning roles, as well as the private sector, including positions as Nursing Home Manager and practising nurse. I have led numerous investigations into serious incidents, including patient deaths, and produced reports for families, HM Coroners, solicitors, and NHS Trust Boards. I have given evidence in Coroners’ Courts as a factual witness on multiple occasions.

I retired from the NHS in 2011 after nearly 30 years but continue to work in the nursing home sector, including throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Professional Development

I am a qualified trainer in person-centred dementia care, delivering training to healthcare professionals and carers on approaches that prioritise the individual rather than focusing solely on symptoms.

In 2019, I contributed to a successful campaign to prevent the closure of a local mental health inpatient facility and was interviewed by the BBC’s Sunday Politics Show.