Steven Mccarthy-Grunwald

Biography

I have been a registered mental health nurse since 1999 and have specialised in Dementia care for the majority of my career, becoming and advanced practitioner in Lancashire Dementia Services Prior to Commencing full time at the University of Cumbria in June 2014

Qualifications and memberships

Academic and Professional Qualifications

2015 - 2016 (PgC) Academic Practice (D2), University of Cumbria 

2012 - 2013, (PG Cert MSc) Conflict and Violence Minimization Course, University of Central Lancashire

2009 - 2011, (MSc) Advanced Nurse Practice, University of Central Lancashire

2005 - 2006, Graduate Certificate (BSc) an Integrated Approach to the Teaching and Management of Violence and Aggression, University of Central Lancashire

1999 - 2000, Certificate (Diploma) Personal Development Course, Solihull College

1999 - 2000, D32/33 NVQ Assessing and Teaching Qualification, Oxford and Cambridge RSA Examinations

1996 - 1999, (BSc) Mental Health Nursing, Coventry University

 

 

 

Current Professional Affiliations

1999 - 2026 NMC Registered Mental Health Nurse

(Revalidation due February 2026)

2016 - 2024 NMC Teacher Registration

1996 - 2024 Member of the Royal College of Nursing

2006 – 2025 Member of European Network for Training in the Management               

                   of Aggression (ENTMA)

2022 – 2025 Member of the National Federation of Personal Safety

2014 - 2025 Member of the Institute of Conflict Management (MICM)

2024 – 2026 Member of the Restraint Reduction Network (UK)

2014 - 2024 Dementia Friends Champion (Alzheimer’s Society)

2015 - 2024 Member of the Mental Health Nurse Academics UK Network (MHNAUK)

2018 - 2024 Member of Higher Education Dementia Network (HEDN)

2019 - 2024 Member World Health Organisation Dementia Knowledge

Exchange Peer Review (WHO DKE)

2016 - 2024 Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

2015 - 2024 Editorial Board Member Italian Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Posturology (International)

2024 - 2025 UocConnected Digital Educator

Academic and research interests

Main Subject/Interest Areas

Dementia

Mental Health Nursing Pre-Registration Degree (BSc & MSc)

Mental Health & Dementia Studies Post Reg and MSc.

Communication and Interpersonal Relationships

Humour Psychology

Nursing Older People

Conflict Resolution and Personal Safety

Solution Focused Therapy

Contemporary Interventions in Mental Health Nursing

Nursing Ethics

Simulation

People and Carers who Use Services (Lived Experiences)

Acuity and Dependency Measures and Safe Staffing in Hospital Settings

Reducing Dementia Related Aggression

Publications

Recent Related Public Output

 

• Van de Rakt, J., Mccarthy-Grunwald, S. & Roijen, P. (2024) Can Disturbed Perception Be Improved Through Task-Specific Resistance Treatment at A Stroke Patient? Journal of General Medicine and Medical Practice (JGMMP) June Vol. (7) No, (11). pp. 1-10.
• Van de Rakt, J., Mccarthy-Grunwald, S. & Roijen, P. (2023) The Effects of Support on Rollator Frame. Journal of General Medicine and Medical Practice (JGMMP) December Vol. (6) No, (6). pp. 1-10.
• McCarthy-Grunwald, S. (2023). Solution-Focused Practice in Outdoor Therapy: Co-Adventuring for change by Will W Dobud and Stephan Natynczuk. Journal of Solution Focused Practices. https://doi.org/10.59874/001c.91017 Available at: https://journalsfp.org/article/91017-solution-focused-practice-in-outdoor-therapy-co-adventuring-for-change-by-will-w-dobud-and-stephan-natynczuk
• Van de Rakt, J. and Mccarthy-Grunwald, S. (2023) What is Task Specific Resistance therapy and what is the Positive effect by people after an Stroke! Journal of General Medicine and Medical Practice (JGMMP) October Vol. (6) No, (6). pp. 1-12.
• Van de Rakt, J. and Mccarthy-Grunwald, S. (2023) Why have people with dementia problems with walking and balance? European Society of Medicine (ESMED) July Vol. (11) No, (7.1). pp. 1-17.
• Van de Rakt, J. and Mccarthy-Grunwald, S. (2023) Rehabilitation of the upper limb after an stroke. Part 5. Dissociation to an “open“ chain and hand treatment! An multi-eclectic approach.Italian Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Posturology, March Vol. (10) No, (26). pp. 2649-2683.
• Van de Rakt, J. and Mccarthy-Grunwald, S. (2022). Tone-Increase is an Answer after a Brain Damage: But How High Is Good? European Medical Research Archives, October Vol. (10) No, (10). pp. 1 – 13.
• Van de Rakt, J. and Mccarthy-Grunwald, S. (2022). Backward Falling Elderly. Journal of Generic Medicine and Clinical Practice, July Vol. (5) No, (3). pp. 1 – 14.
• McCarthy-Grunwald, S. (2022). Dr. Seán Foy, Solution Focused Harm Reduction: Working effectively with people who misuse substances. Book Review. Journal of Solution Focused Practice, July, Vol. (6) No, (1). pp. 104 - 106.
• Turner, J., Simbani, N,. Doody, O., Wagstaff, C. & McCarthy-Grunwald, S. (2022). Clinical supervision in difficult times and at all times: Mental Health Nurse Academics UK reflection. Mental Health Nursing, February/March, (41) No, (1). pp. 6 – 9.
• McCarthy-Grunwald, S. (2021). Frank McCutcheon: Mental Hospitals, Care Homes and Other Stories. Book Review. Journal of Solution Focused Practice, November, Vol. (5) No, (2). pp. 80 – 81.
• Van de Rakt, J. and Mccarthy-Grunwald, S. (2021). Rehabilitation of the upper limb after an stroke. Part 5. Dissociation to an "open " chain and hand treatment ! An multi-eclectic approach !! Italian Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Posturology, October Vol. (10) No, (26). pp. 2649-2683.
• Van de Rakt, J. and Mccarthy-Grunwald, S. (2021). Chapter 2: Dementia, how we can create the best quality of life for them. OSP Journal of Health Care and Medicine, June Vol. (2) No, (2). pp. 1-24.
• .Van de Rakt, J. and Mccarthy-Grunwald, S. (2021). Rehabilitation of the upper limb after an stroke. Part 4. Dissociation and tone and tissue control. Italian Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Posturology, April Vol. (10) No, (24). pp. 2465-2494.
• Van de Rakt, J. and Mccarthy-Grunwald, S. (2021). Rehabilitation of the upper limb after a stroke. Part 3. Dissociation exercise. Italian Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Posturology, March Vol. (10) No, (23). pp. 2384-2421.
• Van de Rakt, J. and Mccarthy-Grunwald, S. (2021). Dementia, How We Can Created the Best Quality of Life for Them. OSP Journal of Health Care and Medicine, February Vol. (1) No, (2). pp. 1-20.
• Van de Rakt, J. and Mccarthy-Grunwald, S. (2021). The “Pusher” syndrome. Special task-specific resistance treatment and explanation of this syndrome. Part 3. Italian Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Posturology, January Vol. (10) No, (23). pp. 2349-2383.
• McCarthy-Grunwald, S. (2020). John Henden: What it Takes to Thrive: Techniques for severe trauma and stress recovery. Book Review. Journal of Solution Focused Practice, November, Vol. (4) No, (2). pp. 82 – 84.
• Van de Rakt, J. and Mccarthy-Grunwald, S. (2020). Rehabilitation of the upper limb after a stroke. Part 2. Italian Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Posturology, October Vol. (10) No, (22). pp. 2243-2277.
• Van de Rakt, J. and Mccarthy-Grunwald, S. (2020). The ‘Pusher’ Syndrome: Assessment and Treatment Part 2. Italian Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Posturology, September Vol. (9) No, (21). pp. 2170-2201.
• Van de Rakt, J. and Mccarthy-Grunwald, S. (2020). Physical treatment for individuals, Exercises Phase 4 (Rakt-Scheme) for individuals with dementia. Italian Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Posturology, April Vol. (9) No, (20). pp. 2054-2091.
• Van de Rakt, J. and Mccarthy-Grunwald, S. (2020). Physical treatment (Hydrotherapy) by individuals with and without dementia. Aquatic exercising. Part 1. Italian Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Posturology, February Vol. (9) No, (19). pp. 1989-2017.
• Van de Rakt, J. and Mccarthy-Grunwald, S. (2019). The ‘Pusher’ Syndrome: Assessment and Treatment Part 1. Italian Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Posturology, November Vol. (8) No, (18). pp. 1904-1934.
• Van de Rakt, J. and Mccarthy-Grunwald, S. (2019). Rehabilitation of the upper limb after a stroke. Part 1. The Flexion Attitude Synergy. A multi-eclectic approach. Italian Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Posturology, September Vol. (8) No, (17). pp. 1829-1867.
• McCarthy-Grunwald, S. (2019). 'Humour is a valuable element of a nurse's skillset' Nursing Times Online. (15^th April 2019) Available at: https://www.nursingtimes.net/opinion/practice-comment/humour-is-a-valuable-element-of-a-nurses-skillset/7028595.article
• Van de Rakt, J. and Mccarthy-Grunwald, S. (2019). Physical Treatment of Individuals with Dementia Part 1b: Assessment – Why? Italian Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Posturology, February Vol. (8) No, (3). pp. 1694-1730.
• Van de Rakt, J. and Mccarthy-Grunwald, S. (2019). Swallowing and the attitude of the neck/body. Italian Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Posturology, April Vol. (8) No, (17). pp. 1745-1783.
• Van de Rakt, J. and McCarthy-Grunwald, S. (2019) Diagonals (Part10) Dementia 2. Italian Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Posturology, February, Vol. (8), No, (3), pp. 1694 – 1730.
• Van de Rakt, J. and McCarthy-Grunwald, S. (2019) Diagonals (Part9) Dementia 1. Italian Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Posturology, January, Vol. (6), No, (2), pp. 1253 – 1294.
• Van de Rakt, J. and McCarthy-Grunwald, S. (2018). Possible treatment for ‘Pisa – Syndrome’ in Parkinson’s Disease: A case report. Italian Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Posturology, November, Vol. (7), No, (2), pp. 1522 – 1545.
• Van de Rakt, J. and McCarthy-Grunwald, S. (2018) Diagonals (Part8) Stroke 6. Analysis of walking pattern and treatment, Italian Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Posturology, January, Vol. (6), No, (2), pp. 1191 – 1239.
• Van de Rakt, J. and McCarthy-Grunwald, S. (2018) Treatment possibilities of “contractures” by neurological diseases. Italian Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Posturology, September Vol. (7), No, (1), pp. 1450 – 1478.
• Van de Rakt, J. and McCarthy-Grunwald, S. (2018) Diagonals (Part7) Stroke 5 Walking: What say the scientist and what is best practice, Italian Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Posturology, January, Vol. (5), No, (2), pp. 1013 – 1062.
• Van de Rakt, J. and McCarthy-Grunwald, S. (2017) Diagonals (Part6) Standing up and the static reaction, Italian Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Posturology, November, Vol. (4), No, (1), pp. 921 – 983.
• Van de Rakt, J. and McCarthy-Grunwald, S. (2017) Diagonals (Part5) Stroke 3 Pathology; How can we develop the diagonals so each individual achieves optimal recovery following a stroke. Italian Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Posturology, Jan, Vol. (4), No, (1), pp. 746 – 788.
• Van de Rakt, J. and McCarthy-Grunwald, S. (2017) How evident are the guidelines for Stroke 2014? Italian Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Posturology, Jan, Vol. (4), No, (1), pp. 670 – 680.
• Van de Rakt, J. and McCarthy-Grunwald, S. (2016) Diagonals (Part4) – Stroke 2
• Transfers in bed and the chain rules. Italian Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Posturology, Nov, Vol. (3), No, (1), pp. 616 – 669.
• Van de Rakt, J. and McCarthy-Grunwald, S. (2016) Diagonals (Part3) – Pathology The Stroke patient: How we can train the diagonals to create a better result. Italian Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Posturology, Jun, Vol. (3), No, (1), pp. 576 – 615.
• Van de Rakt, J. and McCarthy-Grunwald, S. (2016) The beginning of ‘striker foot’ (Pes equinus varus) with severe stroke patients. Italian Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Posturology, Mar, Vol. (3), No, (1), pp. 476 – 496.
• Van de Rakt, J. and McCarthy-Grunwald, S. (2015) Diagonals (Part2), Assessment and Trunk Rules. Italian Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Posturology, Apr, Vol. (2), No, (3), pp. 262 – 298.
• Van de Rakt, J. and McCarthy-Grunwald, S. (2015) Diagonals (Part1) Introduction. Italian Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Posturology, Jan, Vol. (2), No, (3), pp. 146 – 169.

 

 

Presentations

• Remind me who I am, again… Exploring immersive simulation experiences through virtual reality with student mental health nurses. 28^th International Mental Health Nursing Research Conference, St Catherine’s College, Oxford, 08^th - 09^th September 2022.
• Remind me who I am, again… Exploring immersive simulation experiences through virtual reality with student mental health nurses. Learning and Teaching Fest (2022) Beyond the Ordinary Create Innovate and Celebrate. Parallel Session Tuesday 28^th June 2022.
• 'Look Ma no Hands' Restraint Reduction Within Older People Services Restraint Reduction Network Conference (2021) Workshop Presentations Tuesday 30^th and Wednesday 1^st November 2021.
• The Festival of Mental Health. 26^th International Mental Health Nursing Research Conference, Episode 8: Promoting Population Mental Health, Online with mhTV, Wednesday 23^rd September 2020
• The Humour Paradox in Dementia. 25^th International Mental Health Nursing Research Conference, RCN HQ, London, 12^th - 13^th September 2019
• Dementia Stories: Narratives for communication in practice. Dementia Symposium, University of Cumbria, Lancaster 29^th April 2019.
• Positive Language and Communication in Mental Health, Research in Specialist and Elderly Care (RESEC) Event, Lancaster University, Lancaster, 25^th September 2018
• Flashback Reminiscence in Dementia Defying Dementia Conference, Lancaster University, Lancaster, 22^nd September 2018
• Why so serious? How can humour enhance therapeutic relationships in mental health? 24^th International Mental Health Nursing Research Conference, Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester 13^th - 14^th September 2018
• Dementia Stories: Narratives for communication in practice. Dementia Symposium, University of Cumbria, Lancaster 30^th April 2018.
• Getting Staffing Right for People with Dementia, International Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare, ExCel London, 26^th – 28^th April 2017
• Using Authenticity in Dementia Friends Sessions, Learning and Teaching Festival, University of Cumbria, Carlisle, 30^th June 2016
• Getting Staffing Right for People with Dementia, Inter University Conflict Studies Research Development Group, Macron Stadium, Bolton. 10^th September 2015
• Getting Staffing Right for People with Dementia, RCN Older Peoples Nursing Conference, Holiday Inn, Birmingham. 25th March 2014
• Getting Staffing Right for People with Dementia, RCN NPNR Conference, Warwick University, Coventry 5th - 6th September 2013
• Acuity and Dependency Scale Poster Presentation, Staffing Levels & Skills Mix Conference, Manchester Conference Centre, Manchester. 2^nd July 2013

 

Other Relevant Experience

Dementia Champion with Alzheimer’s Society working towards developing the Dementia Friends Programme, and raising awareness through developing the university towards a Dementia Friendly Community (2015).

Co-Organiser for Festival of Mental Health 2 day event at the University of Cumbria (Lancaster Campus) (October 2018).

Organiser for Festival of Mental Health Summer Spectacular (three plays on three Consecutive Fridays) University of Cumbria (Lancaster Campus) (July 2019).

Co-Organiser for Festival of Mental Health 2 day event at the University of Cumbria (Lancaster Campus) (October 2019).

 

Media Output

 

Newspapers and Social Media

News and Star (with Cumberland News) University of Cumbria mental health and wellbeing event earns top award. (28-04-21)

https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/19260505.university-cumbria-mental-health-wellbeing-event-earns-top-award/

Lancaster Guardian University of Cumbria wins award for mental health festival at Lancaster campus (30-04-21) www.lancasterguardian.co.uk/education/university-of-cumbria-wins-award-for-mental-health-festival-at-lancaster-campus-3220276

University of Cumbria Award for Institute of Health community mental health festival (23-04-21) https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/about/news/articles/articles/award-for-institute-of-health-community-mental-health-festival.html

The Mail Awards chance for University of Cumbria dementia forum and mental health festival (24-02-20) https://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/18257158.awards-chance-university-cumbria-dementia-forum-mental-health-festival/

Lancaster Guardian: Festival of mental health to be held at Lancaster Campus (20-06-19) https://www.lancasterguardian.co.uk/health/festival-of-mental-health-to-be-held-at-lancaster-campus-1-9831845

Cumbria Crack: University marks World Mental Health Day 2019 (07/10/19)

News and Star in Carlisle/North Cumbria: Grin and Tonic: Laughter Linked to Mental Health (12-09-18) https://cumbriacrack.com/2018/09/24/festival-of-mental-health-receives-backing-from-lord-bragg/

Lancashire Evening Post Laughing: a real feel good tonic (11-09-18)

Lancashire Evening Post: Mental Health on Agenda at University (12-10-18)

BBC News Online: University highlights mental health issues at 'festival'. 24-09-18)

Lancaster Guardian: Melvyn Bragg Offers Support (27-09-18)

Lancaster Guardian: Uni to Celebrate Mental Health (04-10-18)

Cumbria Crack: Festival of mental health receives backing from Lord Bragg (24-09-18)

YouTube: World Mental Health Day and Festival of Mental Health at the University of Cumbria. (10-10-18)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Be6ZS6jkRWY&t=1s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDmFbMVhMGQ

 

Radio

Interview on Cumbria FM/Greatest Hits Radio (Interview around the release of a research article from Sweden on Diagnostic Accuracy of a Plasma Phosphorylated Tau 217 Immunoassay for Alzheimer Disease Pathology released 22/01/24 Link: JAMA Neurology: jamaneurology_ashton_2024_oi_230097_1703782257.54322.pdf (silverchair.com) 23/01/24 (Pre-Recorded) Aired 24/01/24

Interview on Beyond Radio Morning Show (Festival of Mental Health 2019) (02-10-19) Live

Interview on BBC Radio Lancashire Morning Show (Festival of Mental Health Summer Spectacular) (04/07/19) Live

Interview on Heart Radio (Lancashire) (The Value of Humour in Healthcare) (12/09/18) (Pre-Recorded) Aired 13/09/18

Interview on BBC Radio Lancashire Breakfast (The Value of Humour in Healthcare) (11/09/18) Live

 

Television

Interview with That’s TV (Educate North Award Winner for Festival of Mental Health) (30-04-21)

Interview on ITV Borders News (Humour in Healthcare & Festival of Mental Health) (26-09-18)

 

 Webinar

2020 Virtual Mental Health Nursing Research Conference in association with #mhTV and Unite Union. Presentation on developing the Festival of Mental Health and Panel Discussion on themes. (23/09/20) 

 

Awards

Educate North Awards (2020) Community Engagement Award Winners for University Sector (Festival of Mental Health Project UoC) Award Ceremony 22/04/21).

Educate North Awards (2020) Student Engagement Shortlisted for University Sector (Dementia Symposium Project UoC) Award Ceremony 22/04/21).

 

 

Recent external roles

External Roles/Service (last 5 years)

Member of European Network for Training in the Management of Aggression (ENTMA)

Member of the Institute of Conflict Management (MICM)

Dementia Friends Champion (Alzheimer’s Society)

Policy and Practice Standing Group Member (2018-2022) (MHNAUK) Network

Chair of Policy and Practice Standing Group (2020 – 2021) - Mental Health Nurse Academics UK (MHNAUK) Network

Member of the Health Education Dementia Network (HEDN) UK

Member of the International Network for Health Workforce Education (INHWE)

Editorial Board Member Italian Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Posturology (International)

Cavell Nurses’ Trust Ambassador (2020)

 

External Examiner Roles

2018 – 2022 Buckinghamshire New University

                   BSc^(Hons) Pre-Registration Mental Health Nursing

2022 – 2026 University of Birmingham

                  BSc^(Hons) & MSc Pre-Registration Mental Health Nursing

2023 – 2027 Coventry University

                  MSc Pre-Registration Mental Health Nursing

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