NMC thanks Dame Ruth May for time as Chief Nursing Officer for England
Published on 16 April 2024
The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for England has announced that she will be retiring later this year.
Andrea Sutcliffe, Chief Executive and registrar, said:
"Ruth has provided phenomenal leadership for the nursing and midwifery professions in England, not least through the unprecedented and sustained hardship of the Covid-19 pandemic, when she showed clarity of vision and a human touch.
"Ruth has been a very visible Chief Nursing Officer, actively speaking up in support of the professions and celebrating their achievements. At the same time, she’s worked tirelessly behind the scenes on expanding the workforce and securing improvements, including new funding for continued professional development for nurses and midwives. Ruth has also been a staunch advocate for internationally educated colleagues and Black, Ethnic Minority professionals, with a commitment to promoting anti-racism.
“On a personal note, I have valued Ruth’s wise counsel and advice, her constructive challenge and her friendship. It’s been a privilege to work with her. On behalf of everyone at the NMC, I want to thank Ruth for her tireless dedication and exceptional contribution as a selfless public servant."
Other recent news…
NMC launches new data dashboard to highlight recurring themes when midwifery care goes wrong
Published on 19 March 2026
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has launched a new Midwifery Data Dashboard to help the maternity care sector to understand and address recurring themes
NMC clarifies role of Advanced Practitioners as BMA calls for views on medical substitution
Published on 17 March 2026
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has clarified the welcome and vital role played by Advanced Practitioners across health and social care – in response to
NMC welcomes appointment of Donna Ockenden to chair Leeds maternity review
Published on 11 March 2026
The NMC has welcomed the announcement that Donna Ockenden has been appointed to chair the independent review of maternity and neonatal services at Leeds Teachin
