Glyndwr University

Faculty Member, Health, Medical Sciences and Society

Visiting Research Fellow

Social Inclusion Research Unit

Thesis Title: A qualitative study of abortion care: perceptions of patients and staff

About

EDNA ASTBURY-WARD
I am a specialist nurse practising in contraception and reproductive health (formerly called family planning nurse).  I have over twenty-five years experience. I specialise in human sexuality, sexual and reproductive health and sexual dysfunction.  I am also a qualified and accredited sexual and relationship psychotherapist registered with The College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (www.cosrt.org.uk), and the United Kingdom for Psychotherapy (www.psychotherapy.org.uk) I am a member of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (www.bpas.org) Research and Ethics Committee and an advisory board member of the Family Planning Association (www.fpa.org.uk) Wales section.

CURRENT EMPLOYMENT
I currently work in a duel clinical/academic capacity. I am a part time senior lecturer in Nursing my remit is to teach research, leadership and transformation of care to post graduate and undergraduate students. My current clinical role is for the Countess of Chester Foundation Trust Hospital where I work as a specialist sexual & reproductive health nurse. My role involves providing non-directive counselling and support to women who request abortion.

I  lecture at local, national and international conferences on the subject of abortion, human sexuality, sexual dysfunction and sexual and reproductive health issues and have published in peer reviewed journals on these topics. I am past Editor of The British Society of Sexual Medicine Newsletter www.bssm.org.uk  I am a current reviewer for the BMJ and Nurse Education Today. 

PRIZES & AWARDS:
1999 - Highly Commended by the Secretary of State for Health, for my work with patients with Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in the Millennium Nurse of the Year Awards.
2005 - RCN/Wyeth Prize for innovative practice in sexual medicine. 
2006 - Royal College of General Practitioners (Wales) Annual Mental Health Award towards my PhD studies. http://www.rcgp.org.uk/councils__faculties/rcgp_wales/wamh_in_pc/bursaries.aspx
2006 – Joint Welsh Assembly Government/Health Foundation Scholarship to study full time towards my PhD and to join a community of health scholars www.rcbcwales.org
2010: Chancellor The Lord Jones Prize for Postgraduate Research, Glyndwr University, University of Wales.
2010: PhD Fellowship rcbc Wales.

QUALIFICATIONS:
2010 Doctor of Philosophy. Thesis title: A Qualitative study of abortion care: Perceptions of patients and staff.
2005: Principles and Practice of Family Planning Level 3 (Formerly Diploma in Family Planning)
2004: Masters Degree (with merit) Sexual Medicine from Lancashire postgraduate school of medicine and health, University Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE
2004: City & Guilds 7302 Level 3 Cert Delivering Learning (Formerly Stage 1 Teachers Training)
2001: Certificate in Sexual & Relationship Therapy, University Central Lancs, Preston
2001: Diploma in Higher Education. School of Nursing and Midwifery University College Chester