Makani Purva

Professor Makani Purva is an anaesthetic clinical advisor for the Maternity and Newborn Safety Investigations (MNSI) programme. She is a consultant obstetric anaesthetist and Honorary Professor of Simulation at Hull York Medical School, bringing extensive clinical, academic, and leadership experience to the role.

Alongside her MNSI work, Professor Purva serves as Clinical Director for the Collaborative of Acute Providers within the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, providing strategic leadership across four NHS trusts. Her system‑level work on pathway redesign, elective recovery, and reducing health inequalities strengthens her contribution to maternity and newborn investigations.

Professor Purva has held several senior NHS roles, including Chief Medical Officer, Director of Medical Education, and Anti‑Bullying Ambassador, where she led major programmes to improve culture, governance, and patient safety. She has been a consultant obstetric anaesthetist since 2005 and has a long‑standing commitment to improving safety in maternity and obstetric anaesthesia.

Internationally, she is recognised for her leadership in simulation‑based education. As Past President of the Association of Simulated Practice in Healthcare (ASPiH), she authored national simulation standards and accreditation frameworks now used worldwide. She holds postgraduate qualifications in medical education, business administration, and executive leadership.