Jillian Hartin awarded honorary degree for pioneering leadership in critical care

Jillian Hartin, a leader in the field of critical care outreach, received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science from City St George’s, University of London on Tuesday 15 July 2025 in recognition of her exceptional contributions to patient safety, clinical leadership and healthcare education.

Jillian, who currently serves as Lead Nurse for the Patient Emergency Response and Resuscitation Team at University College London Hospitals (UCLH), has dedicated nearly 40 years to advancing care for acutely unwell patients. Her career began in Belfast as a student nurse, and she has since worked across acute medicine, neurosurgery and intensive care. It was through her pioneering work in critical care outreach that she helped to shape a field which now underpins patient safety practices in hospitals across the UK and internationally.

The honorary degree ceremony, held at the Barbican, celebrated Jillian’s profound influence on the development of rapid response systems and her commitment to improving care for deteriorating patients. Her leadership has extended beyond the bedside, with her clinical insights helping to inform national and international guidelines, research and healthcare policy.

On accepting the degree, Jillian said:

“Thank you for this extraordinary honour – it is such a privilege to stand here today. This award recognises my work within Critical Care Outreach—PERRT as we are called at UCLH. When I first began working in PERRT it felt like firefighting—rushing from crisis to crisis – to deliver expert intensive care nursing to patients who were critically deteriorating on our wards. We worked to break down the barriers of hierarchy and traditional professional boundaries – which brough about a culture change and a focus on patient safety.

“At the heart of what we do is the human connection—the therapeutic relationship between us and the patient. We must always remember that we are caring for people when they are at their most vulnerable – and to deliver expert care with compassion and empathy.”

As a long-standing member of the National Critical Care Outreach group and the International Society of Rapid Response Systems, Jillian has co-authored guidelines and academic publications that influence how hospitals worldwide respond to medical emergencies.

At UCLH, she led the integration of critical care outreach and resuscitation teams, forming a cohesive, multidisciplinary service that ensures timely expert intervention for at-risk patients. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Jillian played a pivotal role in the hospital’s response. Her strategic leadership included the creation of high-dependency respiratory units and the development of safety protocols, all while continuing to provide hands-on care during a time of national crisis.

In addition to her clinical and strategic roles, Jillian has been a dedicated educator and mentor. As an Honorary Lecturer at City St George’s, she has shaped the education and training of countless nursing and advanced clinical practice students. She has supported postgraduate students through National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) fellowships, ensuring that research and practice remain closely integrated.

In terms of advice for graduating students, Jillian said:

“Whether you are graduating today from the School of Health & Medical Sciences or the School of Science & Technology — through clinical expertise - and even through coding — your impact will make a difference. It will not be just what you do, but how you do it.

“Don't rush - take the time to learn, to build strong professional foundations and connections, and friendships. Consider your values and what drives you. Ask yourself: where does your moral compass point? Speak truth to power. Choose your role models wisely. And always lead with integrity.”

Jillian’s influence has been reflected in a host of accolades, including the Chief Nursing Officer for England Silver Award, the UCLH Nursing Excellence Award, and recognition in the Chief Executive’s Outstanding Leadership and Sue Pembrey Leadership Awards.

In presenting the award, orator Dr Duncan Smith praised Jillian’s unwavering dedication to patient care and her ability to lead by example. She was described as a powerful role model for healthcare professionals at all levels and across all disciplines, someone who prioritises patients, upholds the highest standards of care, and champions the development and wellbeing of staff.