Dr Yitka Nora Helena Graham
PhD, FTOS, CMgr, MCMI, MFPH

Email: yitka.graham@sunderland.ac.uk

Education
2012-2016 Doctorate of Philosophy, University of Sunderland
(In collaboration with Sunderland Royal Hospital)
Thesis: Exploring patient experiences of adjusting to life in the first two years after bariatric surgery

2011-2012 Bachelor of Science Degree (Hons) First Class Honours, Community and Public Health, University of Sunderland
Dissertation: Framing presurgical psychological assessment for bariatric surgery in the context of gender, ethnicity and economy

2009-2011 FdSc (Distinction) Complementary Healthcare
New College Durham (Leeds Metropolitan University)

2001-2002 Diploma in Sales Management
Institute of Sales and Marketing Management

Employment
From September 2019 Head of the Helen McArdle Research Institute for Nursing and Care
I am the Head of the Institute, leading the strategic development of Nursing and Care research for the University of Sunderland
September 2014 – present Associate Professor in Health Services Research
University of Sunderland
My role is research-focused, leading on research studies which are all externally
funded through NHS and commercial organisations e.g. NHS England, Northern Cancer
Alliance, Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group, Roche Diagnostics and Metagenics
across a wide range of clinical disciplines, underpinned by the Health Services Research
clinical specialty. I manage a team of research assistants to deliver these studies. Three of
these studies have been adopted onto the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)
research portfolio:

● Patient-reported impact of the pharmacist in pre-bariatric surgical assessment

●Prevention of pressure ulcers in health and social care settings (PROACT)

●Evaluating a role for community pharmacists in post-bariatric nutrient support
(VITAMINS)

I hold a regional Strategic Research Lead for Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health
Professions (NMAHP) position, funded by a tripartite partnership between the National
Institute for Health Research, The University of Sunderland and South Tyneside and
Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust and I lead on the development of NMAHP research
capacity and capability across the Trust, South Tyneside Clinical Commissioning Group,
Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group, Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust and
the University of Sunderland, contributing to a wider regional strategy for this workforce.

Additionally, I have held an embedded research role in the Bariatric Surgical Unit at
Sunderland Royal Hospital since 2013. I provide leadership for research in the Unit, growing
research capacity and capability within the bariatric multi-disciplinary team. My research
focuses on themes of patient experience, sexual and reproductive health and the role of
integrated health professionals in the context of bariatric surgery.

My bariatric surgical research has produced two 3* papers for REF2021 and is an impact
case study for Unit of Assessment 3.

I supervise PhD students, and dissertations for postgraduate and undergraduate
taught programmes on the Pharmacy and Nursing programmes. I have been Programme
Leader for the BSc Public Health and I am currently Module Leader for Population
Health for the MSc Clinical Pharmacy programme.

Internal roles
●University of Sunderland Research Ethics Group Member (2012 – present)

● Faculty Lead for Research Ethics

● Research Ethics Lead for School of Nursing and Health Sciences

●University of Sunderland Postgraduate Research Degrees Sub-Committee Member (2014
– 2016)

REF2021
I have been involved with REF2021, co-leading Unit of Assessments 2 and 3, the latter at
University working group level, from 2017 – May 2019, when the strategic decision was
taken to collapse Units 2, 3 and 5 into one Unit (UoA3) , with the UoA5 lead assuming the
University working group role given the large number of laboratory-based outputs. I continue
my strategic REF role within the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing working group,
leading on the ‘bedside’ research on the ‘Bench to Bedside’ theme for UoA 3.

Currently, I have two paper externally rated at 3*, and my bariatric surgical research is an
Impact Case Study for UoA3, drawing upon the impact of my research ( patient experiences
of adjusting to life after surgery, the sexual and reproductive health needs of women
undergoing bariatric surgery, the role of social media and technology in patient support and
exploring potential roles for pharmacists in nutritional support and follow up) on both patients
and practitioners.I am working with the Impact Case Officer to develop a proposal for my
research to be discussed with policy makers to strengthen the impact case study.

I have presented my work in Spain, Austria, Mexico and Argentina as both keynote and an
invited speaker for the Mexican College of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgeons, the Argentine
Society of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery and for the Latin American Chapter of the
International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders. I am currently
working with colleagues in Mexico to apply the findings of my research to
Mexican and foreigner patients who travel to Mexico for bariatric surgery, including the
production of a patient support video for a hospital in Tijuana. This will further strengthen and
support the University’s REF2021 submission for UoA3 through the internationalisation of
my research beyond NHS settings.

External Roles (Regional)

Specialty Group Lead for Health Services Research
National Institute for Health Research, North East and North Cumbria Local Clinical
Research Network

Leading the development and delivery of the Health Services Research (HSR) portfolio of
studies within the region, and represent HSR at national level for the region to support the
growth of this specialty for the NIHR nationally.

Vice-Chair, Research and Evidence Committee and Health Services/Nursing,
Midwifery and Allied Health Professional (NMAHP) Research Lead

Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group/South Tyneside Clinical Commissioning Group

Lead on the development of research capacity and capability, including overseeing the
design, delivery and dissemination of NIHR portfolio research for the CCG.

Honorary Strategic Lead, NMAHP Research

Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust

Lead on developing research capacity and capability with NMAHP workforce. Member of the
NMAHP Research Steering Group.

External Roles (National)

National Research Lead, British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society (BOMSS)
Royal College of Surgeons, London
I lead the national strategic development of research for BOMSS across all membership
categories and 44 bariatric surgical units in the UK

National Deputy Lead, Public Health

National Institute of Health Research, Cluster C, King’s College, London

From 2015, I represented the North East and North Cumbria Clinical Research Network on
the Public Health Speciality Group. From March 2017-2018 I successfully completed an
additional role as Acting Public Health Specialty Group Lead, to develop a business
justification for the creation of a Public Health Specialty within the North East and North
Cumbria Clinical Research Network in line with the national strategy. Following completion of
this role in 2018, I was awarded the National Deputy Lead role, supporting the National Lead
to extend the breadth and scope of NIHR-supported research taking place in non-NHS
settings.

Member, National Research Leads Committee

Council of Deans of Health, London

Academic Adviser

WLSInfo, the UK bariatric surgical patient charity

External Roles (International)

Member, Integrated Health Committee
Founding Member, Women in Surgery Global Committee
Member, Communications and Development Committee (European Chapter)
International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders, Naples, Italy
Member of the International Committee
American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Gainesville, Florida, United States
Member, Advocacy Committee
The Obesity Society, Silver Springs, Maryland, USA

Professional Affiliations
Fellow, The Obesity Society
Fellow, Royal Society of Public Health
Fellow, Chartered Management Institute
Specialist Certificate of Obesity Professional Education (SCOPE) Accredited, World
Obesity Federation

Fellow, Higher Education Academy

Member, British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society /Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland (Affiliated to The Royal College of Surgeons)
Honorary Lifetime Member, Colegio Mexicano de Cirugia Bariatrica y Enfermedades
Metabolicas (Mexican College of Bariatric Surgery and Metabolic Diseases),

Member, International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders, Italy
Member, Faculty of Public Health
Member, American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, USA
Member, The Q Initiative
Member, Association for the Study of Obesity (affiliated to European Association for the Study of Obesity and World Obesity Federation)
Affiliate Member, Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, UK
Associate Member, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, UK
Reviewer for BMJ Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Healthcare
Reviewer for Obesity Surgery
Reviewer for Clinical Obesity
Reviewer for International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being
Reviewer for Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases
Reviewer for Perspectives in Public Health
Reviewer for BMC Health Services Research
Reviewer for BMC Women’s Health
Reviewer for Obesity
Other external roles
Inspiring the Futures
I work collaboratively with local schools who feed into the University of Sunderland around
STEM subjects, raising aspirations, entering Higher Education, preparation and coaching for
interviews and writing personal statements, the importance of careers in healthcare and
sciences, particularly in the North East, drawing on my academic and clinical roles. I have
participated in the L’Oréal Women in Science Initiative, speaking to students about careers
in the sciences, using my research and academic career as an exemplar.

I also support the National Council of Women with their ‘young women’ activities, and have been a keynote speaker at careers events within the region.

External Funding

1. Exploring relatives' experiences of the Fast Track End of Life Pathway. 2019-2020. Chief Investigator. £17,220 (Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group [CCG])
2. Long-term follow-up of bariatric patients in the community. 2019- 20. Chief Investigator. £20,000 (Sunderland CCG)
3.Prevention of pressure ulcers in health and social care settings. 2018-2019. Chief Investigator. £53,500 (Sunderland CCG, South Tyneside CCG, Smith & Nephew)
(Further £15,000 awarded (March 2019) to extend the study, total £68,500)
4. Evaluation of the Early Diagnosis Transformation Pathway. 2018-2019. Chief Investigator. £50,000 (Northern Cancer Alliance)
5. Evaluation of the Hospital Transfer Pathway in Rural Settings. 2018-2019. Chief Investigator. £20,000 (NHS England)
6. Evaluation of the Hospital Transfer Pathway across the North of England. 2018-2019. Chief Investigator. £15,000 (Better Care Fund – NHS England)
7. Exploring the End of Life provision across South Tyneside. 2018-2019. Chief Investigator. £15,000 (South Tyneside CCG)
8. Evaluating a potential role for community pharmacists in post-bariatric nutrient support. 2018. Chief Investigator £12,422 (Metagenics)
9. Exploring the impact of the Vague Symptoms Pathway for cancer diagnosis. 2017-2020 Co-Investigator. £11,000 (City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust)
10. Exploring the role of the Advanced Pharmacist Practitioner in the management of people with learning disabilities and challenging behaviours. 2017-2018. Chief Investigator. £7,130 (Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust)
11. Exploring the opportunities for improvement in care home services. 2018-2019. Chief Investigator. £6,500 (Sunderland CCG)
12. Evaluation of the FUSS frailty assessment tool in home safety checks. 2018-2019. Chief Investigator. £3,500 (Sunderland CCG)

Publications

Mahawar, Kamal, Hayes, Catherine and Graham, Yitka (2019) Ascertaining areas for long-term follow-up of bariatric surgical patients for primary care. Bariatric Surgical Practice and Patient Care. (In Press)
Bellini, Irene, Adair, Anya, Fotopoulou, Christina, Graham, Yitka, Hutson, Alexis, McNally, Scarlett, Mohan, Helen, Vig, Stella, Parks, Rowan and Papalois, Vasilios(2019) Changing the norm towards gender equity in surgery: the women in surgery working group of the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland’s perspective.Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. (In Press)
Graham, Yitka, Lisa, Wilde, Melanie, Johnson, Ann, Fox, Jeanette, Scott and Hayes, Catherine (2019) Why we need to define nurses' roles in bariatric patient care. Nursing Times, 115 (6). pp. 34-35. ISSN 0954-7762
Mahawar, K, O'Kane, M, Clare, K, Graham, Y, Callejas-Diaz, L., Carr, W (2019) Patient perspectives on adherence to micronutrient supplementation after bariatric surgery. Obesity Surgery. ISSN 0960-8923
Cox, J., Graham, Y., Tsiakkis, D (2019) Early diagnosis of lung cancer: is rapid access CT the answer? British Journal of General Practice,69 (679) p.90-91
Bellini, Maria Irene, Graham, Yitka, Hayes, Catherine, Zakeri, Roxanna, Parks, Rowan and Papalois, Vasilios (2019) A woman’s place is in theatre: women’s perceptions and experiences of working in surgery from the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland Women in Surgery working group. BMJ Open, 9 (1). ISSN 2044-6055
Hayes, C, Hogg, R, Hinshaw, K, Graham, Y (2019)‘Evaluating the Potential Contribution of Interdisciplinary Obstetrics Skills/Drills Emergency Training as a Quality Improvement Initiative: self-reported levels of pre and post- test confidence levels’. British Journal of Midwifery. ISSN 0969-4900
Graham, Y, Hayes, C, Mehrotra, P, Spratt, J, Siddle, K and Cox, Je (2018) Clinicians' perceptions of the quality of outsourced radiology and actions taken around perceived imaging errors in practice. European Radiology. pp. 1-6. ISSN 0938-7994
Graham, Y, Callejas-Diaz, L, Parkin, L, Mahawar, K, Small, P and Hayes, C (2018) Exploring the patient - reported impact of the pharmacist on the pre-surgical assessment service. Obesity Surgery. pp. 1-12. ISSN 1708-0428
Mahawar, Kamal, O'Kane, Mary, Clare, Ken, Graham, Yitka, Callejas-Diaz, Lindes and Carr, William (2019) Patient perspectives on adherence to micronutrient supplementation after bariatric surgery. Obesity Surgery. ISSN 0960-8923
Bellini, I., Graham, Y., Hayes, C., Zakeri, R., Parks, R., Vassilios, P. (2018) A woman’s place is in the theatre: women’s perceptions and experiences working in surgery from the ASGBI Women in Surgery working group. BMJ Open
Graham, Y., Mansour, D., Small, P.K., Fraser, I (2018) Contraceptive practices and menstrual patterns in women aged 18-50 awaiting bariatric surgery’ BMJ Sexual and Reproductive Health, doi 10.1136/bmjsrh-2018-200091
Ojelabi, Ade, Graham, Yitka, Haighton, Katie and Ling, Jonathan (2017) A systematic review of the application of Wilson and Cleary health-related quality of life model in chronic diseases. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 15. p. 241. ISSN 1477-7525
Scott-Thomas, Jeanette, Hayes, Catherine, Ling, Jonathan, Fox, Ann, Boutflower, Ralph and Graham, Yitka (2017) A practical guide to systematic wound assessment to meet the 2017-19 CQUIN target. Journal of Community Nursing, 31 (5). pp. 30-34. ISSN 0140-0908
Scott-Thomas, Jeanette, Graham, Yitka, Ling, Jonathan, Barrigan, Marie and Hayes, Catherine (2017) Norms of Staff Responses to Falls in Residential Care Homes. Journal of Paramedic Practice, 9 (11). pp. 476-482. ISSN 2041-9457 (In Press)
Scott-Thomas, Jeanette, Graham, Yitka, Ling, Jonathan, Barrigan, Marie and Hayes, Catherine (2017) 'Falls in the residential independent care sector—ambiguity in guidelines and policies for healthcare assistants'. British Journal of Healthcare Assistants, 11 (9). pp. 434-440.
Hayes, Catherine and Graham, Yitka (2017) ‘Evolution for a Revolution… the Potential Future Value of Digital Technology across UK Prosthetics and Orthotics Undergraduate Curricula’. BAPOconnect.
Graham, Yitka, Hayes, Catherine, Small, Peter, Mahawar, Kamal and Ling, Jonathan (2017) Patient experiences of adjusting to life in the first two years after bariatric surgery: a qualitative study. Clinical Obesity. ISSN 1758-8111
Mahawar, Kamal, Kular, K, Parmar, C, van den Bosch, M, Graham, Yitka, Carr, W., Madhok, B, Magee, C, Purkayastha, S and Small, Peter (2017) Perioperative practice concerns of one anastomosis (mini) gastric bypass: a survey of 210 surgeons. Obesity Surgery. ISSN 0960-8923
Hayes, Catherine and Graham, Yitka (2017) Future of digital technology in paramedic practice: blue light of discernment in responsive care for patients? Journal of Paramedic Practice, 9 (6). pp. 240-242. ISSN 2041-9457
Mahawar, Kamal, Reid, Alistair and Graham, Yitka (2017)Marginal ulcers after one anastomosis (mini) gastric bypass: a survey of surgeons. Clinical Obesity. ISSN 1758-8103
Ogbonmwan, Daisy, Graham, Yitka, Hotonu, Oluseyi and Hussey, Jane (2017) Development of a regional urogenital pain management network: sharing best practice.European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 211. pp. 222-223. ISSN 0301-2115
Graham, Yitka, Hayes, Catherine, Mahawar, Kamal, Small, Peter, Seymour, Keith, Woodcock, Sean and Ling, Jonathan (2017) Ascertaining the place of social media and technology for bariatric patient support: what do allied health professionals think? British Journal of Surgery, 104 (S2). p. 9. ISSN 0007-1323
Graham, Yitka, Hayes, Catherine, Mahawar, Kamal, Small, Peter, Attala, Anita, Seymour, Keith, Woodcock, Sean and Ling, Jonathan (2017) Ascertaining the place of social media and technology for bariatric patient support: what do allied health practitioners think? Obesity Surgery. ISSN 0960-8923 (Print) 1708-0428 (Online)
Cook, Susy, Weller, Gordon and Graham, Yitka (2017)Development of a new Balanced Evaluation Framework for Service Improvement. Journal of Improvement Science, 44. ISSN 2054-6629
Mahawar, Kamal K, Bhaskaer, Aparna Govil, Bindal, Vivek, Graham, Yitka, Dudeja, Usha, Lakadawala, Muffazal and Small, Peter (2016) Zinc deficiency after gastric bypass for morbid obesity: a systematic review. Obesity Surgery. ISSN 0960-8923
Mahawar, Kamal K., Graham, Yitka and Small, Peter K.(2016) Optimum time for pregnancy after bariatric surgery.Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, 12 (5). pp. 1126-1128. ISSN 15507289
Mahawar, K., Kumar, P., Parmar, C., Graham, Yitka, Carr, W., Jennings, N., Schroeder, N., Balupuri, S. and Small, P.K.(2016) Small Bowel Limb Lengths and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: a Systematic Review. Obesity Surgery, 26 (3). pp. 660-671. ISSN 0960-8923
Graham, Yitka, Mansour, D., Small, P.K., Hinshaw, Kim, Gatiss, S., Mahawar, K.K., McGarry, Kenneth and Wilkes, Scott (2016) A survey of bariatric surgical and reproductive health professionals' knowledge and provision of contraception to reproductive-aged bariatric surgical patients. Obesity Surgery, 26 (8). pp. 1918-1923. ISSN 0960-8923
Mahawar, K. K., Parmar, C., Graham, Yitka, Abouleid, A., Carr, W. R., Jennings, N., Schroeder, N. and Small, P. K.(2015) Routine Liver Biopsy During Bariatric Surgery: an Analysis of Evidence Base. Obesity Surgery. ISSN 0960-8923
Mahawar, Kamal K, Graham, Yitka, Carr, William R J, Jennings, Neil, Schroeder, Norbert, Balupuri, S and Small, Peter K (2015) Revisional Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy: a Systematic Review of Comparative Outcomes with Respective Primary Procedures. Obesity Surgery. ISSN 0960-8923
Graham, Yitka, Mansour, D., Hinshaw, Kim, Wilkes, Scott, Mahawar, K., Gatiss, S., McGarry, Kenneth and Small, P.K.(2015) Comparing Knowledge and Provision of Contraceptive Care by Bariatric Surgical and Sexual and Reproductive Health Practitioners. Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, 11 (6). S131. ISSN 1550-7289
Graham, Yitka, Small, P.K., Hayes, Catherine, Wilkes, Scott, Ling, Jonathan (2015) Risk Interpretation: Patient reported adjustments in the first two years after bariatric surgery. Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, 11 (6). S151-S152.
Graham, Yitka, Wilkes, Scott, Mansour, Diana and Small, Peter K. (2014) Contraceptive needs of women following bariatric surgery. Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care, 40 (4). pp. 241-244. ISSN 1471-1893
Graham, Yitka (2014) An exploration of patient experiences of bariatric surgery. Society, Biology and Human Affairs, 78 (1&2). pp. 60-61. ISSN 2046-0058

Keynote Speaker
Graham, Yitka (2019) Bariatric patients, food and the social world/Pacientes bariatricas, comida y el mundo social. Mexican College of Surgery for Obesity and Metabolic Diseases AC XXI International Congress of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico July 3 – 6 2019
Graham, Yitka (2018) Who fails more: patient or procedure/surgeon?/Quien falla mas:paciente o cirugia/cirujano? In: 2nd Congress on revisional bariatric surgery/2o Congreso de Cirugia Revisional, Feb 21 - 23 2019, Hospital Angeles, Tijuana, Mexico.
Graham, Yitka (2019) Percepcion del paciente ante una cirugia bariatrica revisional/Perceptions of the patient before a revisional bariatric surgical procedure. In: 2nd Congress of Revisional Bariatric Surgery/2o Congreso de Cirujia Revisional, 21 - 23 Feb , Hospital Angeles, Tijuana, Mexico.
Graham, Yitka (2018) Building Research Capacity and Capability for Allied Health Professionals. Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust Allied Health Professional Conference, July 10th, Gateshead
Graham, Yitka (2018) Making a difference: the positive benefits of research to patient care. Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust 15th Annual Nursing Conference. May 22nd, Gateshead.
Graham, Yitka (2018) ‘Challenges in women of child-bearing age and bariatric surgery’ British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society 9th Annual Scientific Meeting Training Day. January 27-19th, Telford.
Graham, Yitka (2017) Research: with patients and for patients. In: WLSInfo National Meeting 2017, 21 Oct 2017, Liverpool.
Graham, Yitka (2016) Social media and technology; help for the patient and professional. In: British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society 7th Annual Scientific Meeting Training Day, 27-29 Jan, Cardiff, UK.
Graham, Yitka (2016) Post-surgical patient experiences of weight-loss surgery: what does the research tell us? In: North East Obesity Forum: Weight Loss Surgery, 19 Oct 2016, Gateshead Civic Centre, Gateshead.

Invited Speaker

Graham, Yitka (2019) A innovative approach to improving patient adherence to nutrient supplementation. 24th World Congress of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO), Madrid, Spain September 3-7th 2019
Graham, Yitka (2019) Raising awareness of anastomic ulcers in bariatric patients who smoke. 24th World Congress of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO), Madrid, Spain September 3-7th 2019
Graham, Yitka (2019) Social media,digital technology and the role of patient support: perspectives from integrated health professionals Mexican College of Surgery for Obesity and Metabolic Diseases AC XXI International Congress of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico July 3 – 6 2019
Graham, Yitka (2019) Establishing effective communication in diabetic patients requiring surgery. Mexican College of Surgery for Obesity and Metabolic Diseases AC XXI International Congress of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico July 3 – 6 2019
Graham, Yitka (2019) Adjusting to the social aspects of bariatric surgery. In: 2nd Congress on revisional bariatric surgery/2o Congreso de cirugia de revision, Feb 21 - 23 , Hospital Angeles, Tijuana, Mexico.
Graham, Yitka (2019) Social media, digital technology and patients: experiences from UK Integrated Health Professionals. In: 2nd Congress of Revisional Bariatric Surgery/2o Congreso de Revision, 21 - 23 Feb , Hospital Angeles, Tijuana, Mexico.
Graham, Yitka (2018) The gender pay-gap in the NHS. Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland (ASBGI) Women in Surgery Symposium. October 5th, Telford.
Graham, Yitka (2018) Developing a vibrant research culture in Nursing and Midwifery. South Tyneside and Sunderland Healthcare Group Annual Nursign Conference. September 25th, Sunderland.
Graham, Yitka (2017) Contraception, Pregnancy and Bariatric Surgery: Case studies and management. In: IFSO 22nd World Congress, Aug 30th - Sept 2nd 2017, London.
Graham, Yitka (2017) Research: why we need patients at the table. In: International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) 22nd World Congress, August 30th - 2nd September 2017, London, England.
Graham, Yitka (2017) Women in Bariatric Surgery. In: IFSO 22nd Annual World Congress, August 29th - Sept 2nd 2017, London.
Graham, Yitka (2017) The role of mobile apps in bariatric patient support. In: International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders 22nd World Congress, August 30th - 2nd September 2017, London, England.
Graham, Yitka (2016) NIHR and Public Health: building research capacity together. In: Innovations, Research and Evaluation in Sexual and Reproductive Health— North East Event, 3 Oct 2016, Ramside Hall, Durham.
Graham, Yitka (2016) Patient experiences of adjusting to life after bariatric surgery. In: North East Bariatric Service Annual Meeting,, Oct 2016, Gateshead.
Graham, Yitka (2016) Contraception and bariatric surgery: emerging issues. In: County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Women’s Health Update for Nurses., 16 Sep 2017, Durham. (Unpublished)
Graham, Yitka (2016) Contraception and bariatric surgery: emerging issues. In: Invited Speaker for British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society 7th Annual Scientific Meeting, 27-29 Jan 2016, Cardiff City Hall, Cardiff.
Graham, Yitka (2015) Contraception and bariatric surgery: emerging issues. In: British Association for Sexual Health and HIV Annual Regional Meeting, 11 Sep 2015, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Graham, Yitka (2015) Contraception and bariatric surgery: emerging issues. In: Invited Speaker at British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society Scientific Meeting, 22-23 Jan 2015, Gosforth Park Marriott Hotel, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Graham, Yitka (2014) Exploring patient experiences of bariatric surgery. In: NIHR NENC Health Services and Delivery Research SGL Meeting, 9 Oct 2014, Durham.
Graham, Yitka (2014) Contraceptive Needs of Bariatric Patients. 24th October. Hexham General Hospital, Hexham Northumberland.
Oral Conference Presentations
Graham, Y., Callejas-Diaz, L., Mahawar, K., Small, P.K., Hayes, C (2018) Patient perceptions of the pharmacist in pre-bariatric surgical assessment. International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Related Disorders (IFSO) 3rd World Congress, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Graham, Y, Fox, A,, Richardson, A, Couzens, A and Hayes, C (2018) Ascertaining pressure ulcer prevention practices in residential care homes. In: Tissue Viability Society Conference, 25-26 Apr 2018, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Callejas-Diaz, L, Parkin, Lindsay, Jones, T, Small, PK, Mahawar, K, De-Alwis, N, Davison, K and Graham, Y (2018) Exploring the patient - reported impact of the pharmacist on the pre-surgical assessment service. In: BOMMS 9th Annual Scientific Meeting, January 25-26th.
Graham, Yitka, Hayes, Catherine, Mahawar, Kamal, Small, Peter, Attala, Anita, Seymour, Keith, Woodcock, Sean and Ling, Jonathan (2017) Ascertaining the place of social media and technology for bariatric patient support: What do allied health professionals think? In: The BOMSS Annual Scientific Meeting 2017, 25-27 Jan 2017, Alton Towers Hotel, Staffordshire, UK.
Graham, Yitka, Small, Peter, Mahawar, Kamal, Hinshaw, Kim, Gatiss, Sarah, Out, Henk Jan and Mansour, Diana(2017) Sexual and reproductive health of women aged 18-50 awaiting bariatric surgery. In: BOMSS Annual Scientific Meeting 2017, 25-27 Jan 2017, Alton Towers Hotel, Staffordshire, UK.
Graham, Yitka (2017) Menstrual patterns and contraceptive practices of women aged 18-50 awaiting bariatric surgery. In: International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders 22nd World Congress, August 30th - 2nd September 2017, London, England.
Graham, Yitka (2017) Understanding how patients adjust to self-reported social complexities after bariatric surgery.In: International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders 22nd World Congress, August 30th - 2nd September 2017, London, England.
Aird, I., Evbuomwan, I., Green, Alan, Ling, Jonathan, Small, P.K., Mahawar, K.K., Out, Henk Jan and Graham, Yitka(2016) Management of obese women in UK assisted contraception units: a survey of current practice. In: British Fertility Society Annual Meeting, 7-8 Jan, Gateshead, UK.
Graham, Yitka, Mansour, D., Small, P.K., Hinshaw, Kim, Gatiss, S., Mahawar, K.K., McGarry, Kenneth and Wilkes, Scott (2016) Comparing knowledge and provision of contraceptive care by bariatric surgical and sexual and reproductive healthcare practitioners. In: British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society 7th Annual Scientific Meeting, 27-29 Jan, Cardiff, UK.
Graham, Yitka (2016) Social media and technology; help for the patient and professional. In: British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society 7th Annual Scientific Meeting, 27-29 Jan, Cardiff, UK.
Graham, Yitka, Small, P.K., Jennings, N., Mahawar, K.K., Ling, Jonathan and Allan, L. (2016) The development of a bariatric surgical patient-led mobile app to identify bariatric friendly eating places. In: British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society 7th Annual Scientific Meeting, 27-29 Jan, Cardiff, UK.
Graham, Yitka, Mansour, D., Hinshaw, Kim, Gatiss, S., Wilkes, Scott and Small, P. K. (2015) UK sexual and reproductive healthcare professionals' knowledge of bariatric surgical procedures and associated contraceptive practices. In: International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders 20th World Congress, 26-29 Aug 2015, Vienna, Austria.
Graham, Yitka, Small, P. K., Mansour, D and Wilkes, Scott(2015) Ascertaining knowledge of contraceptive practices within bariatric surgical teams. In: British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society 6th Annual Scientific Meeting, 22-24 Jan 2015, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Graham, Yitka, Crosland, Ann, Ling, Jonathan, Wilkes, Scott, Hayes, Catherine and Small, P. K. (2015) An exploration of patient experiences of adjustment after bariatric surgery. In: British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society 6th Annual Scientific Meeting, 22-24 Jan 2015, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Graham, Yitka, Wilkes, Scott, Mansour, D and Small, P. K(2015) Ascertaining knowledge of contraceptive practices within UK bariatric surgical units. In: International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders 20th World Congress, 26-29 Aug 2015, Vienna, Austria.

Book
Graham, Yitka (2017) The Effects of Obesity on Reproductive Health. In: Practical Guide to Obesity Medicine. Elsevier, St Louis, Missouri, pp. 123-142. ISBN 978-0-323-48559-3
Invited Blog
Graham, Yitka and Fox, Ann (2018) Preventing pressure ulcers: developing a framework of collaborative working across partners in health and social care settings. Invited blog. Council of Deans of Health.
Webinar
International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders 3rd Integrated Health Global Webinar ‘The Prevalance of Weight Bias, Stigma and the role of Advocacy’ July 9th 2019
Conference poster presentations
Graham, Yitka, Callejas-Diaz, Lindes,Earl-Sinha, Charlotte, Parkin, Lindsay, Mahawar, Kamal, Small, Peter, de-Alwis, Nimantha and Hayes, Catherine (2019) Evaluating a potential role for Community Pharmacists in post-bariatric nutrient support (VITAMINS). 24th World Congress of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO), Madrid, Spain September 3-7th 2019
Graham, Yitka, Earl-Sinha, Charlotte, Parkin, Lindsay, Callejas-Diaz, Lindes, Mahawar, Kamal, Small, Peter, de-Alwis, Nimantha and Hayes, Catherine(2019) Evaluating a potential role for Community Pharmacists in post-bariatric nutrient support (VITAMINS). In: BOMSS Annual Scientific Meeting 2019, January 23 - 25th 2019, Belfast.
Wilde, Lisa, Sekhar, Arun, Hayes, Catherine and Graham, Yitka (2018)Evaluating attendees perceptions of attending a bariatric patient support group. In: British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society 9th Annual Scientific Meeting 2019, January 23-35th 2019, Belfast.
Graham, Y, Hayes, C ,Mahawar K ¹, Small, P.K., Attala, A., Seymour, K., Woodcock, S., Ling, J (2018) What do UK Allied Health Professionals think of the place of social media and technology for bariatric patient support? International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders 23rd World Congress, August 28 – 1st Sept 2017

Graham, Y, Small, P.K, Mahawar ,K, Ling, J., Hinshaw, K, Gatiss,S, Out, HJ, Sillah, K, Mansour, D (2018) Contraceptive practices and menstrual patterns in women aged 18-50 awaiting bariatric surgery International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders 23rd World Congress, August 28 – 1st Sept 2017

Graham, Y, Hayes, C, Small, P.K., Mahawar, K, S, Ling,J (2018) Understanding how patients adjust to self-reported social complexities after bariatric surgery, International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders 23rd World Congress, August 28 – 1st Sept 2017

Aird, I, Evbuomwan, I, Green, A., Ling, J., Small, P.K., Mahawar, K. Out, H.J., Graham,
Y (2016). Management of obese women in UK assisted conception units: A survey of
current practice, British Fertility Society, Gateshead, England. January 7-8th

Balupuri, S., Smith, B., Christopher, C., Graham, Yitka, Parmar, C., Mahawar, K. and Jennings, K. (2015) AST to ALT ratio is non-predictive: need for liver biopsy. In: International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders 20th World Congress, 26-29 Aug 2015, Vienna, Austria.
Graham, Yitka, Mahawar, K., Jennings, N., Schroeder, N., Carr, W., Small, P. K. and Balupuri, S. (2015) Bariatric surgeons' perceptions of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In: International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders 20th World Congress, 26-29 Aug 2015, Vienna, Austria.
Bennet, J., Darrien, J., Graham, Yitka and Woodcock, S.(2015) What is revisional bariatric surgery? In: British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society 6th Annual Scientific Meeting, 22-24 Jan 2015, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.

Funding report

Graham, Y., (2014) ‘An exploration of patient experiences of bariatric surgery’ Society, Biology and Human Affairs, 78 (1-2), pp. 60-61.

Awards

2016 University of Sunderland Research Curriculum Development Fund for enhancement of Research Methods modules on BSc Public Health Programme £4,000
2015 Scholarship: SCOPE Summer School, World Obesity Federation, London.
2015 Travel bursary: ESRC Sociology of Diagnosis PhD Student Conference, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
2014 2014 Travel bursary: ESRC Sociology of Diagnosis Conference, ‘Patient and practitioner perspectives ‘University of York, York.
2014 Travel bursary: ESRC Sociology of Diagnosis Conference ‘Paradigms in Policy and Practice’ Royal College of General Practitioners, London.
2013 Research grant for PhD fieldwork from The Biosocial Society http://www.biosocsoc.org/bursaries .
Previous Employment

December 2012 – Academic Tutor
September 2014 Department of Pharmacy Health and Well-being, University of Sunderland

Lectured, supervised and examined across the Public Health, Nursing and Pharmacy
programmes

October 2005-2014 Marketing Consultant Barrier Surveillance Systems, Shildon, Co. Durham

Project based business development and communications consultant for electronic security company.

April 2003 –Oct 2005 Principal Medical Salesperson
Napp Pharmaceuticals,Cambridge

Sales of pain and antihypertensive products in Primary, Secondary Care and hospices.

Oct 1998- Mar 2003 Women’s Health Specialist (Hospitals, NHS, Key Opinion Leaders and Strategic Accounts)
Organon Laboratories, Cambridge

Sales, Contract Negotiation and Formulary Inclusion of Gynaecology products

Experience with clinical audits in hospitals and family planning clinics (Gynaecology and Sexual Health)
Worked with Consultant Gynaecologist at Hexham General Hospital to educate GP’s in Tynedale and streamline referrals to Gynaecology Outpatient Clinics
Contract negotiation and tendering for products in hospital settings
Regular secondments to Organon International working and representing Organon at clinical conferences in Switzerland and USA.
Seconded to NV Organon International as Stand Crew Manager for ESHRE 2001, Lausanne, Switzerland (responsible for training and managing 10 international staff)
Coordinated and launched three new products (contraceptive, infertility and anti-depressant) into Northeast England including training of sales personnel and liaison with key opinion leaders and NHS

Arranged and facilitated the Northern Obstetrics and Gynaecology Society (NOGS) Meeting for all Obstetrician and Gynaecologists in the Northern Region from 1998 – 2002. Arranging educational meeting, accreditation and speakers.

Involved with two company focus groups to implement strategies for product promotion and staff development/company culture.

Organised Primary and Secondary Care clinical meetings and symposia including applying for CME accreditation, identifying and booking speakers and managing meetings.

Training of new sales staff on induction training course on the history of family planning and working within a specialised area of healthcare, including professional conduct and working within the ABPI Professional Code of Conduct.

Liaised with key customers to organise and support clinical meetings in gynaecology and sexual health in line with regional initiatives and targets

90% formulary inclusion for all products in hospitals in Northern Region

.
July 1997 – Oct 1998 Regional Specialist (North East England/ Scotland)
Organon Laboratories, Cambridge

Piloted new NHS liaison role to roll out company strategy for working with Health Authorities.

June 1996 – July 1997 Medical Representative
Organon Laboratories, Cambridge

Sales of Gynaecology products to Primary Care, Family Planning Clinics and pharmacies

●Implemented and trained primary care staff in confidentiality, telephone techniques and handling complaints, both independently and in association with Durham HA Medical Audit Advisory Group (MAAG)
July 1994 – June 1996 Medical Representative
Ciba-Geigy, Horsham

Sales of gynaecology, pain and respiratory products to Primary Care and pharmacies.
●I was the Royal College of Nursing Appointed Facilitator for the Northern region the Menopause Support Network, running accredited educational and training courses for Nurses and Health Visitors to run well women clinics in Primary Care.

Other External Roles
2010 – 2014 Corporation Member, New College Durham, Durham
●Chair of Quality, Curriculum and Students Committee from 2013 – 2014, committee
responsible for monitoring of student recruitment, retention, support and hard to
reach/under-represented populations to ensure that College’s ethos of widening participation
and inclusivity was maintained.
●Involved in the FdSc degree awarding process for New College Durham (awarded
In 2012)

2012 – 2014 Member, Northern Regional Committee, Association of Colleges
Represented New College Durham on the regional committee representing colleges
nationally