Chief nurse appointed for East London mental health trust
The interim chief nurse at one of London’s mental health trusts has been appointed to the position substantively.
Claire McKenna first stepped into the chief nurse role at East London NHS Foundation Trust in August 2023 when the previous post holder, Lorraine Sunduza, became interim chief executive of the trust.
“I hope to bring more people into the profession to join us in this vital work”
Claire McKenna
Ms Sunduza became substantive chief executive in May 2024, and now the trust has announced that Ms McKenna has been appointed as permanent chief nurse.
Reflecting on her new appointment, Ms McKenna said it was a “real privilege” to be the chief nurse for a trust where she had practised as a nurse for 28 years.
Ms McKenna qualified as a mental health nurse in 1996 and has spent her career at the East London trust.
She progressed at the trust into lead nurse roles and then director of nursing for Luton and Bedfordshire.
One of her priorities now as chief nurse was to bring more nurses into the profession, said McKenna.
“As nurses, we support people through their health journey, wherever it takes them,” she said.
“As I go around the trust, I feel so proud to see this in action and the awareness our nurses have of this important responsibility.
“I hope to bring more people into the profession to join us in this vital work.
“Alongside this, I want us always to be learning and refining what we do as nurses to be confident that we are providing optimum care and support to those who need us.”
The trust’s chief executive Ms Sunduza, who is also a mental health nurse, said she was “delighted” at Ms McKenna’s appointment.
“She will bring her signature leadership and wisdom to this role,” added Ms Sunduza.
“Claire expects and delivers high standards, while bringing a deep understanding of the complexities of the situations that many of our staff work within, and exemplifying compassionate leadership.”
