Ms Alison Harris

Biography

Alison Harris has had an expansive career in nursing and education, practising as a registered nurse across a range of specialities in London.  After further study to gain a specialist practice community qualification, Alison practiced in North London first as a district nursing sister and then a bladder and bowel specialist nurse supporting both children and adults with bladder and bowel dysfunction. Applying evidence based, innovative and highly individualised treatment plans some children who had continence difficulties as part of their profound learning disability would achieve continence and the ensuing dignity and personal fulfilment of their potential that this could bring. Alison went on to assist in the establishment of an academic continence centre at University College London, supporting the move to take continence care into the undergraduate medicine curriculum.

While at UCL Alison became a lecturer practitioner in bladder and bowel care, developing and delivering post-qualified modules to health care staff studying at Middlesex University. At this time Alison was elected to serve on the Association of Continence Advice, a charity for professionals working in the field of bladder and bowel care. 

Teaching

In 2001 Alison was amongst the first wave of nurses to prescribe. Now within her current permanent role as senior lecturer at Middlesex University Alison lectures on bladder and bowel care, diabetes and non-medical prescribing for nurses. With a strong interest in culturally compassionate care, the themes of cultural awareness, sensitivity and safety run through all her teachings. Alison leads the Professional Practice in Healthcare master’s programmes for nurses and midwives at Middlesex University.

Alison has over thirty years of experience as a nurse and an educator. She has been an editor and a contributing writer for books, has published articles and lectures on nursing issues.