An introduction from newly appointed NI Clinical Research Network staff manager: Angela Abbate

February 23, 2023

Hello Everyone,

My name is Angela and I am delighted to be the new NICRN Staff Manager.

I started my Nursing career in 1984 as a student in the old Belfast City Hospital (before the Tower Block opened). These were the days when you could commence your Nurse Training aged 11 lol!!

After qualifying as a Registered General Nurse I worked as a Staff Nurse in the newly opened Level 1 South of the Tower Block which was a busy Vascular Surgical ward.

I commenced my Midwifery Training in Jubilee Maternity Hospital in 1989 and qualified as a Midwife in 1991.

1991 was also the year in which I got married.

I have worked as a Midwife for the past 32 years in varying roles but mainly in the Postnatal and Community settings. I worked nights whilst my children were young and subsequently was part of the Community based Infant Feeding Team.

My career then took a different path (sometimes described as a midlife crisis) and I joined the NICRN in 2020. It was a steep learning curve but was a challenge which I embraced and have thoroughly enjoyed.

I have three “children” aged 29, 28 and 23.  My elder daughter is planning her wedding, my son has just completed his PhD and my younger daughter lives and works in London which gives me a great excuse to visit.

In my spare time I love to walk, cook, eat and entertain. I enjoy socializing with my many lifelong friends and should have shares in the Opera House as I love a good show.

I am privileged to have accepted the role of NICRN Staff Manager and will aim to fulfil the role to the best of my ability. Thankfully I am in the capable hands of Sonia, Alison, Jonathan, Paul and the wider NICRN Team to whom I will look to for guidance.

I very much look forward to meeting you all in person and putting faces to the many names.

Angela