NHS England has announced that the country’s chief nurse, Professor Jane Cummings, will take charge of the London region until a permanent regional director is recruited.
Anne Rainsberry, the current regional director will step down from her role in the autumn, Professor Cummings (pictured) will lead the London region from 18 September.
Cummings will continue to fully perform her role as chief nursing officer for England and also maintain her place on the NHS England Board, but will receive additional support into her team alongside her nurse directors to enable her to delegate many of the other duties she fulfils as a national director in NHS England, whilst retaining oversight of these areas.
Commenting on her appointment, Professor Cummings said: “It is an exciting time for the NHS in London and I look forward to joining the excellent team Anne has developed. Together we will continue working to further improve the quality of care and patient experience for the people across London.”
Matthew Swindells, national director operations and information at NHS England, said: “During this transitional period it is vital that the NHS in London has strong leadership, which is why we have asked the chief nursing officer if she would take over the leadership of NHS England in London whilst a permanent replacement is recruited. Jane has extensive clinical and managerial experience and I look forward to continuing to work with her in this new role.”
Anne Rainsberry, current regional director at NHS England – London, said: “I wish Jane every success – having such an experienced nurse and manager taking on the leadership of NHS London is a fine example of the vital role of nurses in leading healthcare across the capital and the NHS more widely. It is also significant that a board member of NHS England will be taking on this key role.”
