Sarah Shipley

Sarah is a clinical leader with over 14 years of experience in intensive care nursing and currently serves as Matron for Intensive Care at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust. She began her nursing career in Neurosciences at Cambridge University Hospitals before moving to Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust to complete her training in intensive care.

Having joined Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust 12 years ago, Sarah has worked across both Intensive Care and Critical Care Outreach services. She is a strong advocate for the development and evolution of advanced nursing roles, holds an MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice, and currently serves as an elected member of the Intensive Care Society's Nurse Professional Advisory Group.

Throughout her career, Sarah has championed compassionate leadership, believing that every voice should be heard to create cultures of safety, inclusion, and excellence. She has a particular interest in early rehabilitation and family-centred care, recognising families as essential partners in recovery and healing. Sarah has also led an innovative partnership with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), extending critical care rehabilitation beyond the hospital environment to support patients and families in their recovery journey. The collaboration has also created valuable opportunities to promote staff wellbeing, strengthen team connections, and demonstrate the benefits of cross-sector partnerships in healthcare.

Outside of work, Sarah balances the rewards of her nursing career with the joyful chaos of raising three young children. A former musician and dancer, she remains committed to supporting charitable causes and can often be found fundraising through running events.