21.08.17
NHS England’s chief nurse to take up role as London regional director
England’s chief nurse Professor Jane Cummings will take charge of the London region until a permanent regional director is found, NHS England has announced.
Current regional director Anne Rainsberry will step down from her role in the autumn to let Prof Cummings take up the position from 18 September.
Prof Cummings will continue as chief nursing officer for England and will also keep her place on the NHS England Board, but will receive additional support into her team to enable her to delegate any duties she fulfils as a national director in NHS England whilst retaining oversight of these areas.
“It is an exciting time for the NHS in London and I look forward to joining the excellent team Anne has developed,” Prof Cummings said.
“Together we will continue working to further improve the quality of care and patient experience for the people across London.”
Anne Rainsberry, outgoing regional director at NHS England, London, added that she wished Prof Cummings “every success”.
“Having such an experienced nurse and manager taking on the leadership of NHS London is a fine example of the vital role of nurses in leading healthcare across the capital and the NHS more widely,” she said. “It is also significant that a Board member of NHS England will be taking on this key role.”
Janet Davies, chief executive and general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said that it was good news for nursing and London that Jane Cummings was bringing her clinical experience and leadership to this important role.
“Having the chief nurse leading NHS England’s London team underlines the value of nurse leadership, and brings an experienced clinician to the role,” she commented.
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