08.05.17
RCM appoints new CEO on international day of the midwife
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has appointed a new chief executive, Gill Walton, to succeed Professor Cathy Warwick later this year.
RCM made the announcement on Friday to mark thousands of RCM midwives and maternity support workers coming together for the international day of the midwife.
Walton currently works as director of midwifery and maternity services at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, and is an experienced midwife and leader.
Her career started at University College Hospital, before she took midwifery training at the Princess Anne Hospital in Southampton. She has also held the position of director of midwifery at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, as well at Barking Havering and Redbridge and John Radcliffe in Oxford.
Walton has also been involved in national policymaking in her career, working alongside the RCM, NMC and DH to support and improve maternity services in the UK.
The incoming CEO said she was thrilled to have been appointed to the role at the RCM, an organisation that she has “tremendous respect for”.
“I am really looking forward to working with members from all four countries of the UK, to help cement a positive future for midwives, maternity support workers and maternity services at this time of great change,” said Walton.
Dr Susan Way, chair of the RCM Board, added that she was delighted with the appointment: “Gill has a wealth of experience that will be an asset to the College and I look forward to working with her.”
Walton will officially assume the role in August this year.
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