Mental health nurse will be next chair of Council of Deans of Health

A mental health nurse who specialised in drug and alcohol addictions has been elected to take over from Dame Jessica Corner as chair of the Council of Deans of Health in June 2017.

Edinburgh Napier University dean of learning and teaching and professor of nursing Brian Webster-Henderson will serve as chair-elect until he takes over as chair, following election by the council's membership.

Professor Webster-Henderson is current vice chair of the council and convener of the Council of Deans of Health Scotland.

He will succeed Professor Corner next summer to serve a three-year term as chair.

'I feel honoured and delighted to have been elected,' said Professor Webster-Henderson.

'This is a challenging time in both the higher education and health care sectors and I look forward to working with members across the four nations in addressing these agendas.'

'Excellent' seal of approval

Professor Corner said: 'Having worked with Brian in his role as vice chair, I believe he will be an excellent chair of council.

'He brings significant experience of both the Scottish and English higher education systems and insight into the differences and challenges facing the council as a four nation organisation.'

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