Dr Mary J. Foley
Dr Mary J. Foley is a founding member of Cork Stroke Support and in a volunteering role, continues to be influential in its development as Clinical and Programme Advisor, Educator, Researcher and Activities Facilitator.
In 2011, she was the first to register as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Rehabilitation of Older People and had a lead role in developing and providing specialist services for people with Stroke, Parkinsons Disease, Dementia and Frailty.
Her multidisciplinary clinical experience was enhanced by education and research. In 2021 Mary J. obtained a Doctorate in Healthcare from UCC. This facilitated a move from the Health Service Executive to the Department of Health, Social Care Division where she is currently employed.
Enablement of people with chronic disease has underpinned her research and professional career and shaped service and policy development. She is fortunate to have had first-hand experience of what can be achieved when those who require a service are actively involved in its development.
Mary J. comes from Mayo. She moved to Cork in 1994 and lives in Whitechurch with her husband Padraig. She has 3 sons, 1 daughter and 3 grandchildren.