In 2017, Debbie retired after working for 38 years in the NHS as a nurse, latterly as Director of Nursing on the board at Northumbria NHS Trust. As a children's' nurse and senior leader in the NHS, Debbie has always had an interest in the health and welfare of children and young people, in particular young people with long term conditions including emotional and mental health, plus an interest in keeping children safe and safeguarding.