Meet the Speakers
#BACCNConf2026 Keynote Speakers
We are excited to present this year's renowned Keynote speakers who will be joining us from across the world to share their stories and experiences.
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Keynote: Natalie Pattison
Professor of Clinical Nursing (University of Hertfordshire, East and North NHS Trust)
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Professor Natalie Pattison is a clinical academic who has worked clinically in cancer, critical care and critical care outreach. She is a Professor of Clinical Nursing with a joint appointment across the University of Hertfordshire and East and North Herts NHS Trust (ENHT). Natalie also holds a Researcher in Residence (ICU) position at Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. She is the clinical lead for the critical care follow-up service at ENHT, combining this with a research role. Her research interests focus on her clinical area of critical care and critically ill ward patients, end of life in critical care, disability in critical care, and workforce in critical care. She is widely published in critical care (>150 publications) and leads a research programme of supportive care in ICU and workforce research. She is Co-Chair of the National Outreach Forum, past-Chair of the UK Critical Care Research Group, and immediate past-Chair of UK Critical Care Nursing Alliance. |
SEISMIC Impact: Redefining Nurse Staffing to Improve Patient Experience in Intensive Care
Professor Natalie Pattison will share groundbreaking findings from the SEISMIC study, which examines how different staffing levels and models in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) influence both patient outcomes—including mortality rates and infection control—and nurse outcomes, such as burnout and job satisfaction. This evidence-based session will provide valuable insights into optimising staffing strategies for safer, more sustainable critical care environments.
Keynote: Cora Presley
Deputy Director in the National Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Directorate at NHS England
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Cora Presley has experience spanning critical care, strategic transformation, and system resilience across both the United States and the United Kingdom. She led critical care services through the COVID-19 pandemic in both countries, overseeing frontline operations and pioneering innovations in Tele-ICU and Neuro Critical Care delivery. Currently serving as a Deputy Director in the National Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Directorate at NHS England, Cora leads Transformation and Resilience programmes focused on Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response (EPRR) and national incident coordination. Her work supports nursing leadership and system-wide preparedness across England. |
Cora holds a Master of Science in Nursing Administration from Loyola University New Orleans and is dual registered in the US and UK. She has been instrumental in developing high-performing teams, implementing Lean process improvements, and driving quality outcomes in complex care environments. Her leadership has contributed to multiple successful accreditation surveys, Magnet recognition, and the establishment of innovative care models.
Cora is passionate about workforce development, shared governance, and advancing nursing’s role in system transformation. She continues to champion resilience, safety, and excellence in patient care across local and national settings.
Igniting Leadership and Unity in Critical Care Nursing: Inspiring a Future of Excellence
Cora Presley will focus on building resilience and strong leadership within the critical care nursing workforce. Her session will explore strategies to support well-being, adaptability, and professional growth, shaping the future of our profession through visionary leadership and a culture of empowerment.