ICN chief executive steps down

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) chief executive Frances Hughes has left the organisation due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’.

Dr Hughes has decided to leave the federation which represents more than 20 million nurses worldwide, the ICN announced in a statement.

A former chief nurse in New Zealand and consultant for the World Health Organization, she joined the ICN in February 2016.

Thankful 

Announcing the news, ICN president Annette Kennedy said: ‘I would sincerely like to thank Dr Hughes for her great contribution and commitment to delivering on transformation of ICN.

‘We wish her all the best for her future. I am working closely with ICN staff to ensure the continuity of business and ensure projects go ahead as planned.’

The ICN Board said an interim replacement would be announced in the ‘short term’ and a recruitment process for a new CEO will start shortly.

Background

New Zealander nurse Dr Hughes joined the ICN from her role as chief nurse and midwifery officer for Queensland, Australia.

She was also the first professor of nursing at the University of Auckland and colonel commandant of the Royal New Zealand Army Nursing Corps.

In 2005, Dr Hughes was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to mental health in 2005.

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