- Duncan Burton worked as a nurse for over 25 years before landing the role
Yesterday, for the first time in the role’s 80-year history, a man was appointed Chief Nursing Officer for England.
Duncan Burton will lead the profession as the government’s chief adviser on nursing, succeeding Dame Ruth May.
He has worked as a nurse for over 25 years and was recently Deputy Chief Nurse, leading on maternity, staffing and pediatric issues.
The first Chief Nursing Officer for England was Dame Katherine Watt, who served from 1941 to 1948 and has been succeeded by nine other women since then.
Dame Ruth was appointed in 2019 and rose to prominence for her outspoken statements during the pandemic.
Duncan Burton (pictured) is the first man to be appointed Chief Nursing Officer for England in the role’s 80-year history
Burton was previously Deputy Chief Nurse Ruth and has worked as a nurse for over 25 years. Most recently she was Deputy Chief Nurse, leading on maternity, staffing and child issues.
Mr Burton began his career in pulmonology and neurology at the Royal United Hospital, Bath after completing his nursing training at the University of Wales.
He has held various leadership positions at University College London Hospitals, Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, where he was responsible for the professional leadership of 4,000 nurses, midwives and paramedics.
Mr Burton said: ‘It is an honour to be appointed Chief Nursing Officer for England and I look forward to working with colleagues in 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, praised Burton for boosting overseas recruitment, helping the government meet its target of increasing the number of nurses by 50,000.
She 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.
The first Chief Nursing Officer for England was Dame Katherine Watt, who served from 1941 to 1948 and was succeeded by nine other women (stock photo of a nurse treating an elderly woman)
Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England (pictured), credited Burton with boosting overseas recruitment, helping the government 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 at a Cabinet meeting in London)
‘As a key adviser to NHS England and ministers, his wide-ranging experience will be invaluable.
‘I want nurses to play a key role in writing the 10-year plan to make the NHS fit for the future. The Chief Nursing Officer will play a key role in that.
‘I would also like to express my gratitude to Dame Ruth May for 40 years of incredible dedication and service to the health service.’ Around nine in 10 nurses and community nurses working in the NHS are women.
Sir Chris Whitty remains chief physician.
