Glentham: Distinguished speech therapist is awarded honorary doctorate from Leeds Beckett University

Bryony Simpson MBE, the current Deputy Medical Director at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of the University on Monday, July 20, for her contribution to the professions.

Speaking at the ceremony Bryony said: “This award means a huge amount to me. I have been associated with this university for four decades.

“I did my masters here in the 1990’s and it’s a huge pleasure to be back.

“Leeds Beckett University holds a very special place in my heart and I can honestly say my time here changed my life and enhanced my career.

“This university turns out excellent therapists, not just theoreticians.”

Offering advice for graduates today, Bryony added: “Give it your all, get stuck in, follow your heart and do what you really enjoy.”

Bryony qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist in 1979, starting her career in adult rehabilitation at Northwick Park Hospital, London.

Since then she has worked as a clinician, lecturer, researcher, manager and clinical leader.

She graduated from Leeds Beckett University with a Masters in 1998.

Bryony has practised as a Speech and Language clinician from 1979 to the present day, and currently works with patients who have voice disorders.

During her career Bryony has helped to establish and then chair regional special interest groups in dysphagia, neurological disorders and voice.

Bryony has held a number of posts at Board level as well as chairing the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists from 2011 to 2014, acting as the Regional Allied Health Professionals Forum Lead for Yorkshire and the Humber from 2011 to 2013 and currently chairs the Yorkshire and the Humber Regional Allied Health Professionals Forum.

Leeds Beckett University Vice Chancellor, Professor Susan Price, said: “Bryony has enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a speech and language therapist, working her way up from being a clinician to a clinical lead and contributing her wide ranging skills and expertise to numerous Boards.

“She is an inspiration to those who wish to follow this career path and we are delighted to recognise her many achievements and her important contribution to her profession alongside our graduating students.”