Man takes role as England’s Chief Nursing Officer for the first time in the post’s 80-year history

A man was yesterday appointed Chief Nursing Officer for England for the first time in the post’s 80-year history.

Duncan Burton will lead the profession as the Government’s most senior advisor on nursing matters, succeeding Dame Ruth May.

He has worked as a nurse for over 25 years and most recently served as deputy chief nurse, leading on issues relating to maternity, workforce and children.

The first Chief Nursing Officer for England was Dame Katherine Watt, who served from 1941 to 1948 and has been succeeded by nine other women.

Dame Ruth was appointed in 2019 and rose to prominence with her outspoken remarks during the pandemic.

Previously a deputy to outgoing chief Ruth, Burton has worked as a nurse for over 25 years and most recently served as deputy chief nurse, leading on issues relating to maternity, workforce and children

Mr Burton began his career in respiratory medicine and neurology at the Royal United Hospital in Bath following completion of his nurse training at the University of Wales.

He has held a range of senior roles at University College London Hospitals, Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, where he had responsibility for the professional leadership of 4,000 nurses, midwives and allied health professionals.

Mr Burton said: ‘It’s an honour to be appointed to the role of Chief Nursing Officer for England and I look forward to working with nursing and midwifery colleagues to improve patient care and experience, improve the nation’s health, grow and develop the workforce and inspire the next generation of nursing and midwifery professionals and leaders.’

Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England, credited Mr Burton with boosting overseas recruitment so the Government could hit its target of boosting nursing numbers by 50,000.

She added: ‘I’d like to thank Dame Ruth May for her dedication and commitment to the NHS throughout her 40 years’ service.’

Health secretary Wes Streeting said: ‘I would like to offer my congratulations to Duncan Burton on his appointment as Chief Nursing Officer for England.

Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England (pictured), credited Mr Burton with boosting overseas recruitment so the Government could hit its target of 50,000 nurses

‘I would like to offer my congratulations to Duncan Burton on his appointment as Chief Nursing Officer for England,’ Wes Streeting said (pictured a cabinet meeting in London)

‘As a key adviser for NHS England and ministers, his range of experience will be invaluable.

‘I want nurses to play a big role in helping write the 10-Year Plan to make the NHS fit for the future, and the Chief Nursing Officer will be key to that.

‘I would also like to express my thanks to Dame Ruth May for an incredible 40 years of dedication and service to the health service.’ Around nine in ten nurses and health visitors working in the NHS are women.

Sir Chris Whitty remains chief medical officer.