The RCN has welcomed the appointment of Duncan Burton as the new Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for England. Mr Burton, former deputy CNO, will replace Dame Ruth May with immediate effect, and the College said it was 'delighted' with the news. 'Following years of dedicated service at every level, some of those working side by side, I have every confidence in him as a powerful voice for our profession,” said Professor Nicola Ranger, RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive.
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Duncan Burton’s 25 year career as a nurse began in the Royal United Hospital in Bath, and includes a variety of roles across University College London Hospitals in Emergency Services, Infection and Pathology and as Deputy Chief Nurse.
His most recent leadership positions include Executive Director of Nursing and Quality at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, and Deputy Chief Nursing Officer for NHS England.
“I am of the firm view that with a new government in Westminster and fresh leadership across nursing…there has never been a better opportunity to work together to put nursing expertise at the heart of decision-making” said Professor Ranger.
'Nursing is the most rewarding career and strong leadership across the board can deliver the much-needed investment and support for it.'
New Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting also welcomed the appointment, saying: “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.”