The new Chief Executive and Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council says she is ‘in listening mode’.
Andrea Sutcliffe CBE has today taken up her role as the new Chief Executive and Registrar of the nursing and midwifery regulator.
She will take over from Sue Killen who was appointed as Interim Chief Executive and Registrar following the sudden departure of Jackie Smith last year.
Ms. Sutcliffe boasts over 30 years’ experience in health and social care and joins the NMC from the CQC where she was Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care. Her other previous roles include Chief Executive of the Appointments Commission and an Executive Director at the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence for seven years.
In recognition of her work in social care, Ms. Sutcliffe received an Honorary Award of Doctor of Science from the University of Leeds and was awarded a CBE for services to adult social care in the 2018 New Year’s Honours List.
‘In listening mode’.
In a statement issued today by the regulator, Ms. Sutcliffe said that she was “thrilled” to be taking over the leadership of the NMC and promised to spend the next few weeks listening to the needs of nurses, midwives and nursing associates.
Andrea Sutcliffe CBE said: “I’m thrilled to finally join the NMC. It’s a privilege to take on this role at such an important time, not only for the organisation, but for health and social care in the UK.
“Nurses and midwives are there at some of our most joyous occasions: the birth of a child or recovery from illness. They provide support in our darkest days, perhaps when we are struggling with the impact of mental ill health or the death of a loved one.
“The NMC is constant throughout the careers of nurses, midwives and nursing associates. We need to use that privileged position to support and enable them to deliver great care and to encourage learning on the rare occasions things go wrong.
“Over the coming weeks I’ll be in listening mode. Listening to those who receive care and those who advocate on their behalf. Listening to the nurses, midwives and nursing associates who deliver fantastic care day in, day out. And listening to our partners across the health and care sector as we work together to drive high standards and keep people safe.”