NMC congratulates those recognised in New Year Honours

We’re celebrating all the nursing and midwifery professionals who have been honoured for their significant contributions to health and social care.

Andrea Sutcliffe, NMC Chief Executive and Registrar, said:

“As we reflect on another challenging year for health and social care, and look ahead to 2024, it's wonderful to see some of the leading lights and unsung heroes of our professions across the four nations recognised for their vital work over many years.

“I’m especially pleased that Dr Denise Marie Chaffer has been awarded a CBE for her services to patient safety. Denise is both a qualified nurse and midwife with an impressive career spanning 47 years. A former President of the Royal College of Nursing, and most recently, Director of Safety and Learning at NHS Resolution, Denise has done so much to promote just and learning cultures within health and care. This honour is a wonderful recognition of her tireless commitment to peoples’ care.

“I’m delighted that Lorraine Sunduza, previously Chief Nurse and now interim Chief Executive of the East London NHS Foundation Trust has also been awarded an OBE for her services to mental and community health. Another award I’m personally thrilled to see is an OBE for Nicki Patterson for her services to health and social care in Northern Ireland. Nicki was previously Director of Nursing for the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, and former NMC Northern Ireland registrant council member who I met while visiting services in Northern Ireland. I’m delighted to see both Lorraine and Nicki honoured for their important contributions to health and care services.

“It’s also great to see the work of so many of our partners being rightly recognised. Just one example: Dr Jennifer Dixon, Chief Executive of The Health Foundation becoming a Dame is a fantastic tribute to a lifetime dedicated to the NHS and Public Health.

“Congratulations to everybody honoured. Your achievements are an inspiration to us all.”

Sir David Warren, Chair of Council, said:

“I know I speak for all on Council when I say I’m thrilled to see professionals on our register recognised for their various invaluable contributions to the nation’s health and wellbeing.

“Particular congratulations to Dr Denise Marie Chaffer who has been recognised for her contributions to patient safety, and Nicki Patterson for her vital work within health and social care in Northern Ireland. Their insight, expertise and dedication to the professions is clear, and their accolades so well deserved. We hope they can find time to celebrate with family, friends and colleagues.”

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