A University of Central Lancashire professor has received a prestigious award for her work in the university and the local community to help patients with cystic fibrosis.
Professor Janice Abbott was presented with the Richard and Carolyn Mattingly Award by the US Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which recognises research and leadership in mental health care and a commitment to the mental health and well-being of patients with cystic fibrosis.
Janice is the first non-US recipient of the award. She travelled to America to be presented with her award at the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference in Nashville, which was attended by more than 5,000 researchers and clinicians.
Janice, who works as a Professor of Health Psychology at UClan, has worked in the Cystic Fibrosis research field since 1989.
As part of her work at UCLan, Janice has developed research to better understand the condition by gaining the patient’s perspective as to the benefits and limitations of treatments. She has worked with the UK Cystic Fibrosis Trust and the European Cystic Fibrosis Society to look at ways to improve support for people with the condition.
Janice also helped to lead the UK arm of the International Depression and Anxiety Epidemiological Study, which highlighted the rising problem of depression and anxiety in people with cystic fibrosis and their care providers. Her work with the US Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has helped to improve the mental wellbeing of patients and their families worldwide.
Janice said: “I am delighted to receive the Mattingly Award for my research and leadership in mental health care in cystic fibrosis. Working with people with Cystic Fibrosis and their families is truly inspirational and it is wonderful and timely to see mental health being recognised alongside physical health.”
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