Rosemary Cook CBE is to step down as director of national charity, the Queen's Nursing Institute after more than seven years in the role.
Ms Cook (pictured), who writes a regular column for Independent Nurse, joined the QNI in January 2005 after working for the DH and as a nurse in both acute and community settings. She has been appointed chief executive officer of the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine.
'I have had a wonderful time at the QNI and learned an enormous amount about running a charity and trying to influence change that will improve care for patients,' said Ms Cook.
'I have always been interested in the role of technology and science in healthcare, so this is a new challenge and opportunity that is just too exciting to miss.'
During her time at the QNI, Ms Cook oversaw the re-introduction of the 'Queen's Nurse' title, and launched the Institute's first public campaign in support of community nursing: 'Right Nurse, Right Skills'.
Chair of trustees of the QNI, Rosalynde Lowe, said: 'Rosemary has achieved tremendous things for the QNI. We all wish her well in her exciting new job, secure in the knowledge that she leaves the QNI in an excellent position to face the future.'
Ms Cook steps down from her role in July; the QNI will be appointing a new director in due course.