Nurse academic appointed chair of children’s hospital trust
Leading nurse academic Professor Laura Serrant will be stepping down from her role at NHS England and taking on a new leadership post at Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.
Professor Serrant was appointed in November as chair of the children’s hospital trust and has this month started working in the role.
“I am looking forward to joining such a committed professional group of colleagues”
Laura Serrant
She has taken over from the previous chair, Sarah Jones, who stepped down in December after more than seven years in the role.
As such, Professor Serrant has announced that she will be stepping down as regional head of nursing and midwifery for NHS England’s workforce training and education directorate in the North East and Yorkshire.
During her time in this post, which was formerly based at Health Education England, she was at the forefront of championing inclusivity and empowerment for patients and students.
Professor Serrant has held a number of other nursing posts in Sheffield, including professor of nursing at Sheffield Hallam University and non-executive director for Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust.
Alongside this new role, she will continue to be a BBC expert women panel member and a fellow of the American Academy of Nurses.
Professor Serrant said it was an “absolute pleasure” to take up the role as chair of Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.
She added: “The trust has a great reputation of championing the care and wellbeing of children and families in South Yorkshire and beyond for over a century.
“I am looking forward to joining such a committed professional group of colleagues.
“My aim as chair is to build on Sarah’s great legacy and work with the chief executive, board and governors to further optimise health, equity and wellness for the children and families in the region.”
Commenting on Professor Serrant’s departure, the regional director for the NHS England workforce training and education directorate in North East and Yorkshire, Mike Curtis, said: “Laura has given superb senior leadership to our NHS and has been a source of wisdom with a passion that inspires us all.
“During her time with us, she has ensured that the nursing growth targets have been met – and met early,” added Mr Curtis.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Laura for all she has done to develop and grow the profession, and for developing a great team to take on the challenge from here.”
