Professor Aisha Holloway has been appointed as Scotland’s next Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), following a competitive external recruitment process.
Currently Chair of Nursing Studies at the University of Edinburgh, Professor Holloway brings a wealth of experience in nursing leadership, global health, and policy. She also serves as Programme Director for the Nursing Now Challenge, is an Adjunct Professor at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, and holds fellowships with both the Royal College of Surgeons and the Royal College of Nursing.
Commenting on her appointment, Professor Holloway said:
“It's a huge privilege to be appointed as the new Chief Nursing Officer for Scotland. The challenge ahead is great, but one that requires a clear and unwavering focus on improving the health of the people of Scotland.
“Those that constitute the NHS health and social care workforce across sectors, have always been the beating heart of this most beloved institution. They must be valued and respected as their contribution, knits together the very fabric of our society and wellbeing.
“The work we must do now together, will address not only the current demands we face but is an investment into the health of future generations.
“I very much look forward to working in meaningful and inclusive ways, to fulfil our full potential, to influence and to impact health outcomes across Scotland."
Professor Holloway co-founded and co-directs the Edinburgh Global Nursing Initiative and has held numerous advisory and executive board roles across the UK and internationally. She was a member of the State of the World’s Nursing Steering Committee and recently served as a Consultant at the World Health Organisation in Geneva.
Her appointment was made through a fair and open recruitment process, chaired by a Civil Service Commissioner, in line with Civil Service Recruitment Principles.
As CNO, Professor Holloway will have professional responsibility for Scotland’s nursing workforce, including:
- Leadership and advice on healthcare-associated infection and antimicrobial resistance
- Oversight of midwifery, allied health professions, and healthcare science
- Policy advice to ministers on professional healthcare regulation and workforce development
Neil Gray, Scottish Health Secretary, added:
“I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to Professor Holloway on her appointment as Chief Nursing Officer.
“With 30 years’ research experience in the fields of alcohol-related harm, public health and workforce, and a strong focus on health policy, she will play a key role in our plans to improve the NHS in the coming years.
“Her national and international experience will help focus our efforts to ensure that people across Scotland will continue to access the right care, in the right place.
“I would also like to express my thanks to Anne Armstrong for her support and service in the interim and look forward to continuing to work with her as she returns to Deputy Chief Nursing Officer.”
Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for Scotland’s health service, as it continues to evolve to meet the needs of patients and professionals alike.
Image credit: iStock
