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Catherine Sharples has been awarded a doctorate in nursing by the University of Manchester. Her thesis, entitled ‘History of nursing professionalisation in Malta (1964-1996)’ focussed on how demographic and educational changes and political decisions affected the process of the professionalisation of nursing.

The research, which was self-funded, involved an investigation through archival sources as well as the compiling of an oral history by interviewing 24 nurses and other people who were influential during the period concerned.

Dr Sharples is a State registered nurse. She graduated with a BSc and MSc in nursing from the University of Malta, where she conducted research on the perceptions of pupils, parents and teachers regarding the role of school nurses in primary schools.

She is an education liaison officer at Mater Dei Hospital’s Directorate of Nursing.