Gail Adams stepping down as Unison head of nursing

Gail Adams has announced she is stepping down as Unison’s head of nursing after 14 years in the post.

Ms Adams is moving to a new role heading up the union’s professional services unit, which represents members involved in fitness to practise proceedings with regulators including the Nursing and Midwifery Council and the Health and Care Professions Council.

In an email to members this morning, Ms Adams said it had been ‘an honour and a privilege’ raising concerns of members on issues including staffing levels, patient safety and pay, as well as working on the recent campaign urging the government not to scrap bursaries for nursing and midwifery students.

Strong voice

‘I have been able to speak up for students, nurses, healthcare assistants (HCAs) and midwives, as well as work with our brilliant nursing and midwifery committee,’ she said.

‘My time in this role has been amazing and I have loved every minute of it. 

‘I will always challenge and stand up for our nursing family wherever they are. However, I have also spoken about being a good ancestor; this role provided me with a career-changing opportunity and it’s time for me to pass that baton on to someone else who is equally as passionate about nursing.

‘I'm not leaving Unison but I have been offered a role that brings my two passions together: supporting nurses and ensuring they have great representation.’

Praise for staff

She added: ‘I could not be prouder of the thousands of nurses, midwives and HCAS who go into work every day to care for the most vulnerable in our society.

‘It’s been an honour and a privilege to be your head of nursing.’