Our Team

Dr Nick Read, MA, MD, FRCP, Chair of The IBS Network.
Nick works in private practice as a gastroenterologist and psychotherapist, helping people cope with illnesses, like IBS, that have no clear cause or pathology. During a long academic career, he has held university chairs in Gastrointestinal Physiology, Human Nutrition and Integrated Medicine, published too many papers and a few books. He now devotes much of his time trying to help people understand what underlies their illnesses and how better to manage them. This is the subject of his book, 'Sick and Tired; healing the illnesses, doctors cannot cure' (Phoenix, 2006). He has been associated with The IBS Network since its inauguration by Sue Backhouse and Christine Dancey in 1991. Nick lives in a small cottage in Derbyshire and enjoys fell running, cooking, the theatre and watching birds.

Emma Winter, Trustee
Emma is currently providing a psychological service at Salford Royal NHS Trust to support patients being treated in the departments of gastroenterology and colorectal surgery. She is dedicated to improving awareness of the role of adverse life events, distress and coping in the emergence and maintenance of gastrointestinal symptoms and ensuring that patients with all types of GI symptoms have access to appropriate services, at the right time and by the right professionals at the appropriate stage of their journey. 'I know first hand', writes Emma, 'that many individuals presenting with GI symptoms have problems with stress in the present or with issues from the past. Current services currently have no pathway for such patients into appropriate services so that any emotional or social issues can be addressed early on. Identifying patients for whom there may be an overlay of emotional distress is vital so that this can be dealt with and they can be returned to health'.

Duncan Kerr, Trustee
Duncan has extensive experience in strategic and financial planning for local government, and is now training to be a social worker. He writes: 'Through-out my life I have suffered from bowel symptoms that my doctors could not explain properly. This has given me an insight into the social and psychological issues associated with IBS, but I am concerned about the lack of understanding and support services. I am convinced that our guts are a barometer of the balance within our life. With an interest in sustainability, I am aware how people's heightened expectations, anxieties and the fragmentation of communities can be expressed through their bodies in conditions like IBS.'

Robert Wright, Trustee.
Robert has a long history of working in the Charitable sector. He is the internal auditor of St John Ambulance, Britains largest first aid charity and in in depth knowledge of charity funding. We welcome his expertise as Treasurer of The IBS Network.

Kirsty Murphy, Office Manager.
After studying a three year degree in Communication and Politics at Nottingham Trent University and going on to complete a 6 month ski season working in the French Alps, Kirsty returned to Sheffield in May 2009. Kirsty was brought in to manage the day to day running of the Sheffield office as well as overseeing the development and management of the website. Kirsty's previous experience and enthusiasm in marketing has also helped in the development and expansion of the Network.

Paul Clarke, Web Developer
Paul looks after the technical aspects of our website. He has been programming commercial computer systems since 1985 and the business end of websites since the late 1990's. With an extensive background in IT Management Paul is well placed to advise on cost effective site and server architechture. A certified geek who occasionally finds time to get out and play drums in a rock band!

Medical Advisory Service
The Medical Advisory Service was founded in 1986 and has provided the IBS Network with trained telephone helpline nursing staff for the past twelve years. As well as attending an annual training event, the thirteen nurses currently working with the IBS Network also receive ongoing updates that they are then able to pass on to our members and members of the public who call the helpline for advice.

Julie Thompson - Trustee
Julie works in the NHS as a specialist Dietitian. During her working life she has worked in industry and research, has a degree in Polymer Science and through illness had a change of career, gaining a first class honours degree in dietetics, an area that has always been of interest. 'Dietetics involves holistic care of patients and includes training in how to help people make changes, whilst taking into account their lifestyles. Dietitians are important in ensuring people with conditions that affect bowel function receive the correct advice about diet.' Registered with the Health Professions Council following strict codes of conduct that ensure safe and evidence based practice. Lives in West Yorkshire and enjoys cooking, reading and fell walking.

Our Team

Supporting people living with irritable bowel syndrome