Chief nurse to lead NHS England’s London region

England's chief nurse Jane Cummings is to take charge of NHS England's London region until a permanent regional director is recruited, it was announced today.

Anne Rainsberry, the current regional director, will step down from her role in the autumn and professor Cummings will lead the London region from 18 September.
 
NHS England said professor Cummings will continue to 'fully perform' her role as chief nursing officer for England, and maintain her place on the NHS England board.

Further improvement

She will receive additional support in her team, alongside her nurse directors, to delegate many of the other duties of chief nurse while retaining oversight of these areas.
 
Commenting on her appointment, professor Cummings said: 'It is an exciting time for the NHS in London and I look forward to joining the excellent team Anne has developed.

'Together we will continue working to further improve the quality of care and patient experience for people across London.'

Good for nursing

The announcement was welcomed by RCN general secretary Janet Davies, who said having the chief nurse leading NHS England's London team underlined the value of nurse leadership.

She added: 'It’s good news for nursing and good news for London that Jane Cummings is bringing her clinical experience and leadership to this important role.'

Anne Rainsberry said: 'I wish Jane every success. Having such an experienced nurse and manager taking on the leadership of NHS London is a fine example of the vital role of nurses in leading healthcare across the capital and the NHS more widely.'

In other news

• Government told to try harder on curbing childhood obesity crisis
• New online endometriosis resource for nurses and patients