Duncan Burton appointed chief nursing officer for England
The new chief nursing officer (CNO) for England has today been announced.
Duncan Burton, formerly deputy CNO, will replace Dame Ruth May, who said in April that she would step down after five years in post.
“I look forward to working with nursing and midwifery colleagues to improve patient care and experience”
Duncan Burton
The new CNO takes on the role with immediate effect, NHS England has said in a statement announcing the appointment of Mr Burton.
Mr Burton said the appointment was an “honour”. He added: “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.”
Before he was deputy CNO, Mr Burton was NHS England’s regional chief nurse for the South East of England.
He began his now more than 25 year-long career in nursing at the Royal United Hospital, Bath, before rising through the ranks to take on leadership roles at several NHS trusts, including as executive director of nursing and quality post at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust.
Amanda Pritchard, NHS England chief executive, added her congratulations to Mr Burton.
She said: “His extensive experience in local, regional and national roles, along with his track record of delivery and leadership will be invaluable as he takes on this role at such a crucial time.
“Duncan has consistently achieved exceptional results – from the International Recruitment Nurse Programme, which ensured we met the 50k nurse commitment 6 months early, to the health care support worker recruitment programme, which resulted in the highest number of healthcare support staff employed in the NHS on record.”
Ms Pritchard thanked Dame Ruth for her “dedication and commitment” to the NHS across her more than 40 years in the organisation.
“[Dame Ruth] has worked tirelessly to nurture the next generations of NHS nursing and midwifery leaders, and supported nurses, nursing associates, midwives and healthcare support staff to do their very best for patients and their families, and I wish her all the very best for her retirement,” she said.
Dame Ruth became CNO in 2019, remaining in post throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, two general elections, seven changes in leadership at the UK Department of Health and Social Care, among other huge upheavals in nursing.
She said, in her retirement announcement, that being CNO was the highlight of her career, and a “privilege”.
Wes Streeting, health and social care secretary, thanked Dame Ruth for her service, and congratulated the incoming CNO.
He said: “As a key adviser for NHS England and ministers, [Mr Burton]’s 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.”
RCN general secretary and chief executive, Professor Nicola Ranger, added: “I’m delighted that Duncan Burton has been appointed as the new chief nursing officer for NHS England.
“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. It must always be heard at the top of government and given equal weight to that of the chief medical officer.
“Duncan’s appointment comes at a time when our profession faces many known challenges, but I am of the firm view that with a new government in Westminster and fresh leadership across nursing, our regulator and wider health and social care, there has never been a better opportunity to work together to put nursing expertise at the heart of decision-making.
“On behalf of RCN members, I will work closely with Duncan to showcase the difference that skilled nursing staff, with the right support and investment, make to patient outcomes – transforming lives and communities,” she said.
“Nursing is the most rewarding career and strong leadership across the board can deliver the much-needed investment and support for it. We congratulate him on his appointment and look forward to working on nursing’s bright future.”
Helen Herniman, Nursing and Midwifery Council acting chief executive and registrar, said: “I want to congratulate Duncan on being appointed the new chief nursing officer for England and wish him every success in the role.
“With more than 25 years of dedicated service, Duncan has been an exemplary nurse leader, committed to improving people’s health and wellbeing,” she said.
“We’ve greatly appreciated his collaboration with us on key issues, including addressing concerns about computer based testing and supporting the workforce. We look forward to continuing this collaboration as we work urgently to deliver a step change in our culture and performance, for the benefit of the nursing and midwifery professions and the public we serve.”
She added: “I’d also like to thank Dame Ruth May for all that she achieved during her tenure, and for 40 years of unwavering commitment to the NHS. Ruth has displayed outstanding leadership for the professions, particularly through the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
