Scotland’s former chief nurse receives honorary doctorate
Scotland’s former chief nursing officer (CNO) has been awarded an honorary doctorate from Queen Margaret University for his significant contribution to health and public service.
Alex McMahon was awarded the honorary degree this Tuesday by Dame Prue Leith, chancellor of the university, at a graduation ceremony held in Edinburgh’s Usher Hall.
“This honorary award recognises his unwavering, continued commitment to patient care”
Paul Grice
Professor McMahon retired as Scotland’s CNO in April, having served in the national post for three years.
Under Professor McMahon’s leadership, Scotland was the only country in the UK to settle the recent nurse pay dispute without strike action.
Meanwhile, he oversaw the launch of the country’s Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce, progressed safe staffing legislation and improved support for nurses who are retired and want to return to practice.
Queen Margaret University said Professor McMahon demonstrated a “profound commitment to the nursing profession” during his time as CNO.
The university noted that his leadership had been characterised by compassion and integrity during some of the most challenging times for Scotland’s health service.
Professor McMahon began his career working across various nursing positions in NHS Lanarkshire.
From here he moved to Edinburgh to work across several development, advisory and policy positions at the Royal College of Nursing, before becoming head of government and industry affairs at AstraZeneca.
Following this, Professor McMahon undertook several roles in Scottish Government until he went to NHS Lothian where he held a series of high-level strategic planning roles.
At the health board, Professor McMahon pushed for change and innovation across mental health and learning disability support, drug and alcohol treatment, cancer care and palliative care.
Although he retired as CNO this year, he was later appointed as chair of the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s independent steering group for the review of nursing and midwifery practice learning.
Sir Paul Grice, principal and vice-chancellor of Queen Margaret University, said: “Alex McMahon’s collaborative spirit fosters partnerships that enhance patient outcomes and elevate the nursing profession.
“His delivery of world class safe and effective healthcare, and his transformational leadership of the profession, has brought different professional bodies together on a collective journey towards a healthier Scotland.
“This honorary award recognises his unwavering, continued commitment to patient care, his tireless advocacy for the nursing and midwifery profession, and his ability to transform and deliver change under pressure,” he added.
Professor McMahon was awarded the honorary doctorate alongside Dr James Robson, a Scottish doctor and Scottish Rugby’s chief medical officer.
Other honorary graduates this week include television present Sally Gray and Juliet Robertson, one of Scotland’s leading educators specialising in outdoor learning and play.
