- Duncan Burton worked as a nurse for over 25 years before landing the job.
A man was yesterday appointed Chief Nursing Officer for England for the first time in the post’s 80-year history.
Duncan Burton will lead the profession as the Government’s most senior adviser on nursing matters, succeeding Dame Ruth May.
He has worked as a nurse for over 25 years and most recently served as Deputy Chief Nurse, responsible for maternity, workforce and children’s issues.
The first Chief Nursing Officer in England was Dame Katherine Watt, who served from 1941 to 1948 and was succeeded by nine other women.
Dame Ruth was appointed in 2019 and rose to fame with her outspoken comments during the pandemic.
Duncan Burton (pictured) is the first man to be appointed Chief Nursing Officer for England in the post’s 80-year history.
Previously deputy to outgoing Chief Ruth, Burton has worked as a nurse for more than 25 years and most recently served as deputy chief nurse, leading on issues related to maternity, workforce and children.
Mr Burton began his career in respiratory medicine and neurology at the Royal United Hospital in Bath after completing his nursing training at the University of Wales.
She has held a number of senior roles at University College London Hospitals, Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, where she was responsible for the professional leadership of 4,000 nurses, midwives and allied health professionals.
Mr Burton said: “I am honoured to be appointed to the role of Chief Nursing Officer for England and I look forward to working with colleagues across nursing and midwifery to improve patient care and experience, enhance the health of the nation, grow and develop the workforce and inspire the next generation of nursing and midwifery professionals and leaders.”
Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England, credited Mr Burton with boosting overseas recruitment so the Government could meet its target of increasing the number of nurses by 50,000.
He added: “I would like to thank Dame Ruth May for her dedication and commitment to the NHS throughout her 40 years of service.”
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: ‘I would like to congratulate Duncan Burton on his appointment as Chief Nursing Officer for England.
England’s first female Chief Nursing Officer was Dame Katherine Watt, who served from 1941 to 1948 and was succeeded by nine other women (archive image of a nurse caring for an elderly woman)
NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard (pictured) credited Burton with boosting overseas recruitment so the government could meet its target of 50,000 nurses.
“I would like to congratulate Duncan Burton on his appointment as Chief Nursing Officer for England,” said Wes Streeting (pictured, during a cabinet meeting in London).
‘As a key adviser to NHS England and ministers, his wealth of experience will be invaluable.
‘I want nurses to play a major role in helping to draft the 10 Year Plan to make the NHS fit for the future, and the Chief Nursing Officer will be key to that.
“I would also like to express my thanks to Dame Ruth May for her incredible 40 years of dedication and service to the NHS.” Approximately nine out of ten nurses and healthcare assistants working in the NHS are women.
Sir Chris Whitty remains the medical director.