NMC chief executive resigns as she awaits neurosurgery
Posted 22 May 2024 - 13:30
Andrea Sutcliffe reveals tumour diagnosis is forcing her to step down as head of the nursing regulator, as its chair pays tribute to her empathy and work ethic
The Nursing and Midwifery Council’s (NMC) chief executive is to step down on health grounds.
Andrea Sutcliffe revealed she is to undergo neurosurgery in the coming weeks for a tumour discovered by a CT scan when she fractured her shoulder in a fall last month. It is believed the tumour is likely to be benign.
NMC role ‘tough enough to do when you’re well, impossible when you’re not’
Ms Sutcliffe, who has led the regulator for the past five years, said she has taken the ‘incredibly difficult’ decision to stand down to focus on her health and recovery.
She told a meeting of the NMC’s ruling council today: ‘It’s a tough enough job to do when you’re well and impossible to do when you’re not well. I’m very sorry that I’m going – there was a lot more I would like to have done.
‘Stepping down has been a difficult decision for me but it may be some time before I’m well enough to fully meet the demands of this job. I’m particularly disappointed I won’t be here to lead the organisational response to the independent reviews we have commissioned of our culture and regulatory processes.
‘Whatever the findings and recommendations may be, I’m confident the NMC and its people will deliver positive change.’
Two independent investigations are taking place into the internal culture and concerns about fitness to practise processes at the NMC, and are headed by former chief crown prosecutor for north west England Nazir Afzal and barrister Ijeoma Omambala KC.
Andrea Sutcliffe brought immense empathy to her role – NMC chair
NMC chair Sir David Warren, paid tribute to Ms Sutcliffe’s leadership through the pandemic and what he called her unwavering dedication to the role.
He told the meeting: ‘She has brought immense energy and empathy to her role and an unwavering commitment to maintaining public confidence in the nursing and midwifery professions, coupled with a formidable work ethic.
‘We are very sorry she has had to stand down from her role at this time and wish her well for her full recovery.’
Interim nursing regulator chief executive will be appointed
Ms Sutcliffe will remain in her role until her planned surgery, which is likely to take place around the end of June.
The NMC will then appoint an interim chief executive and registrar and advertise for a permanent successor.
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