EMPoWER Project Team

EMPoWER is a collaboration between Bangor University and Newcastle University. Over the next 18 months, the project team will be working together to estimate the costs and benefits of providing powered mobility to children with disabilities aged under 5 years, compared to over 5 years.

Meet the team

Dr Nathan Bray is the overall lead for the EMPoWER project. Nathan is a health economist, and has expertise in measuring the costs and benefits of providing wheelchairs to children.

Ms Fiona Beyer is an information specialist and a systematic reviewer. Fiona is leading on searching for research and evidence about early powered mobility, and handling the information we identify.

Dr Dawn Craig is a health economist and has expertise in systematic reviews and economic modelling. Dawn is supporting the design and conduct of the evidence synthesis in EMPoWER

Professor Rhiannon Tudor Edwards is a health economist with expertise in complex interventions and return on investment from early years interventions. Rhiannon will oversee the economic modelling, and support junior team members.

Ms Aimee Grayston is a young adult with complex physical and communication disabilities. Aimee has long-term lived expertise in using powered mobility, and her unique perspective is guiding the study design, conduct, and dissemination.

Ms Jennifer McAnuff is an NIHR Clinical Doctoral Research Fellow and an occupational therapist, with experience in co-producing and implementing complex interventions. Jennifer will work closely with the EMPoWER advisory network and lead the public and patient involvement activities.

Professor Jane Noyes has expertise in health and social services research, child health, and methods for conducting systematic reviews. Jane is advising the team on the range of research methods we are using in EMPoWER.

Dr Louise Tanner is an experienced researcher in public health and health services research. Louise will support the evidence synthesis in EMPoWER.

Dr Lorna Tuersley has experience in patient-centred outcome measures in paediatric wheelchair services, and healthcare information. Lorna will support the economic modelling aspect of EMPoWER.

Dr Niina Kolehmainen is an NIHR senior clinical lecturer and consultant allied health professional. Niina has expertise in developing and evaluating complex interventions in NHS child health services. She is leading the Newcastle University team in conducting the evidence synthesis in EMPoWER.