Chief nurse, Professor Jane Cummings, will be taking charge of the London region of NHS England on an interim basis until a permanent regional director is recruited, it has been announced.
Anne Rainsberry, the current regional director will step down from her role next month and Professor Cummings will run the London region from 18 September.
Professor Cummings will continue as chief nursing officer for England and also maintain her place on the NHS England Board.
She and her team of nurse directors will receive additional support during this time.
The CNO 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 the people across London.’
The current London director, Ms 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. It is also significant that a board member of NHS England will be taking on this key role.’
Claire Murdoch, national director for mental health at NHS England, said: ‘As a nurse myself who current covers two big jobs as chief executive of Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust and the national director for mental health, I know that with the great teams she will have around her in London and NHS England Jane can make a huge difference to health and care in London.’
Janet Davies, chief executive and general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said: ‘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.
‘Having the chief nurse leading NHS England’s London team underlines the value of nurse leadership, and brings an experienced clinician to the role.’
