Staff Profile

Stuart Parker

I trained in Geriatric Medicine in Newcastle upon Tyne (1980-93) and worked in Experimental Gerontology in the Netherlands (1990-91) and as a Clinical Senior Lecturer in the University of Leicester (1993-2000).  During my time in Sheffield and Barnsley (2000-2013), I was Professor of Health Care for Older People, Clinical Director for Older People’s Medicine and Director of Research and Development.  I led the Sheffield Institute for Studies on Ageing, was Associate Director of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) CLAHRC for South Yorkshire (one of 9, £20M applied health research collaborations which were awarded in England in 2008), and co-led the White Rose PhD Student Network on Ageing.

I moved back to Newcastle upon Tyne in 2013 as the William Leach Professor of Geriatric Medicine. During this period I was the chief investigator for the Hospital Wide Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (HoW CGA) project, which aimed to inform NHS managers, clinicians, patients and the public about how best to organise hospital services for frail older people.  From 2015 I served a 3 year term as NIHR Clinical Research Network theme lead for Ageing, Dementias and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Neurological Disorders and Genetics. 

I have contributed to international research policy in EUROPE through the FUTURAGE project which developed a road map for ageing research in Europe, and a programme to increase the health life expectancy of European citizens through innovation (INNOVAGE).  Most recently I completed (as clinical lead) a James Lind Alliance priority setting partnership on Multiple Conditions in Later Life (“multimorbidity”).

I have now retired from my University role (2017) and NIHR role (2018) and recently, from clinical practice (2019).

My “post retirement” activities aim to use my enthusiasm and experience in clinical and interdisciplinary gerontology to continued effect.  To date these include becoming a trustee of the Dunhill Medial Trust, a member of the NIHR Policy Research Unit in Older People and Frailty, an ongoing relationship with the National Innovation Centre for Ageing, working with VOICE – an evolving network of citizens who contribute experience, ideas, insights and vision to research and innovation.  

I enjoy photography (including self-portraiture), am a keen sailor.  Since 2017 I have completed trans-Atlantic and Indian Ocean sailing trips.  A Biscay crossing is planned for 2020.  I enjoy cycling and recently completed a 1000km bike ride in the UK.

• Vassallo M, Grey J, Hemsley A, Chris L, Parker S. Developing an objective structured clinical examination in comprehensive geriatric assessment - A pilot study. Education for Health: Change in Learning and Practice 2019, 32(2), 95-98.
• Keeble E, Parker SG, Arora S, Neuburger J, Duncan R, Kingston A, Hanratty B, Jagger C, Robinson L, Kirkwood T. Frailty, hospital use and mortality in the older population: findings from the Newcastle 85+ study. Age and ageing 2019, 48(6), 797-802.
• Parker SG, Corner L, Laing K, Nestor G, Craig D, Collerton J, Frith J, Roberts HC, Sayer AA, Allan LM, Robinson L, Cowan K. Priorities for research in multiple conditions in later life (multi-morbidity): findings from a James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership. Age and Ageing 2019, 48(3), 401–406.