Susan Kirk

Susan Kirk is a Professor of Family and Child Health in the School of Nursing & Midwifery at the University of Manchester. With a background as a Registered Nurse, Midwife, and Health Visitor, she focuses on the impact of long-term illness on families and service design for children/young people with chronic conditions. Her work spans transitions to adulthood, self-management, and family-service relationships.

• Ph.D., M.Sc., B.Nurs
• Registered Nurse, Midwife, Health Visitor

Her research explores culturally-responsive pathways for youth with sickle cell disease, digital health interventions, fatigue in chronic illness, and pandemic impacts on youth mental health. Projects include six funded studies (2007–2025) with organizations like NIHR, CIHR, and NFRF, emphasizing co-design and patient-centered care.

Recent articles highlight mental health liaison services, migration-chronic illness intersections, fatigue in sickle cell disease, and palliative care in ICU. Key themes include service integration, equity, and qualitative methodologies. She collaborates with researchers across disciplines and countries, contributing to global health policy.

Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals for health and well-being. She has authored 136 research outputs and leads initiatives like the Digital Health and Social Care Research Group.