Highland Council commends staff on Doctoral Achievements
The Highland Council has commended two employees on their academic achievements in attaining Doctorates.
Isle of Skye-based Health Visitor Dr. Tina Barrows was commended on the success of her doctoral thesis titled “A Classic Grounded Theory Study Exploring the Social Processes of the Health Visitor Antenatal Home Visit.”
Inverness-based Dietitian Dr. Julie Johnson was also commended on attaining her Doctorate in Health Sciences, awarded in recognition of her published research in Paediatric Diabetes.
Chair of the Council’s Health Social Care and Wellbeing Committee, Cllr David Fraser said: “I am delighted to extend our warmest congratulations from the Health Social Care and Wellbeing Committee to Tina and Julie on their academic endeavours. Their achievements are a shining example and inspiration to all, and I am delighted that their knowledge and experience will benefit not only local communities but also other staff, peers and partners.”
Tina’s achievement is the culmination of many years of dedicated academic study and professional practice. Her research offers a significant contribution to the understanding of antenatal care, particularly the vital role health visitors play in supporting families during the earliest stages of parenthood.
Her work, grounded in real-world experience and rigorous methodology, provides valuable insights that will inform and enhance health visiting services not only in Highland communities but across Scotland. It reflects the Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting professional development and evidence-based practice within our health and social care services.
Julie’s research, known as “The BREAK Study”, involved children from 12 diabetes centres across the UK and was presented at the prestigious 50th Annual Conference of ISPAD. Julie’s work is already making a difference in how healthcare professionals think about nutrition and diabetes care.
Jane Park, Highland Council’s, Head of Health added: “Tina’s dedication to both her academic journey and her community is truly inspiring. Her research will have a lasting impact on how we understand and deliver antenatal support. We are incredibly proud to have such a committed and forward-thinking professional serving the people of Skye, Lochalsh and the wider Highland region.
Julie’s outstanding achievement is of UK-wide importance has contributed widely to improving the lives of children and families affected by diabetes.”
The Highland Council recognises the importance of continued learning and innovation in public service and celebrates Tina’s success as a shining example of excellence in community healthcare.