NMC pays tribute to former Council member, Ruth Walker MBE
Published on 25 July 2025
We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Ruth Walker MBE, a respected nurse leader and valued colleague. Ruth made an outstanding contribution to nursing, healthcare, and the wider NHS throughout her career.
Ruth was formerly Executive Nurse Director of Nursing at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
She was appointed as a registrant Council member and the designated member for Wales from 2016 to 2024, holding the Vice-Chair role in 2023 – 2024 and chairing the Remuneration Committee (now the People and Culture Committee) from 2020 to 2024. During this time, her insights and leadership helped shape the future of nursing regulation.
Ron Barclay-Smith, Chair of the NMC, said:
“On behalf of the NMC Council, I want to express our deep sadness at the passing of Ruth Walker. Ruth made a remarkable contribution to nursing and to the wider health and care system. She will be greatly missed by everyone who had the privilege of working with her."
Dr Lynne Wigens OBE, NMC registrant Council member and Vice Chair, paid tribute to Ruth. She said:
“Our thoughts are with Ruth’s family and friends at this sad time.
“Ruth was an exceptional nurse leader who dedicated her working life to patient care, nursing and the NHS.
“She was highly regarded for her leadership, thoughtful communication, and sense of humour, not only by our council colleagues, but to all those who worked with her, particularly in Wales, where she led the safer nurse staffing programme and the creation of a leadership programme for aspiring executive directors of nursing.
“Despite her ill health, Ruth remained interested and engaged in nursing and health care. Her invaluable contribution will be sorely missed by all who knew her, and her legacy is assured.”
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