Response to appointment of Sue Tranka as Chief Nursing Officer for Wales

Responding to the news that Sue Tranka has been appointed as Chief Nursing Officer for Wales, Andrea Sutcliffe CBE, Chief Executive and Registrar at the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), said:

"On behalf of everyone at the NMC, I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to Sue on her appointment as Chief Nursing Officer for Wales.

"This is a crucial position leading the nursing and midwifery professions in Wales, and I am delighted Sue will be bringing her 29 years of wide-ranging experience to the role. Most recently Sue has made a vital contribution to improving patient safety at a national level as Deputy Chief Nursing Officer for England.

"Nurses and midwives in Wales have given so much over the last year in response to the pandemic, and there are significant challenges remaining in future. So it is heartening to know that they will be supported by an inspirational leader with such insight into the breadth of what the professions do.

"It is also significant that Sue will be the first Black and Minority Ethnic Chief Nursing Officer in the UK. Nursing and midwifery is strengthened by its diversity. While there is more we can and must do to improve the experience of ethnic minority professionals, the leadership of our professions reflecting this diversity is a moment for celebration.

"I look forward to working with Sue and continuing our collaborative relationship with the Welsh Government in future.

"I would also like to repeat my thanks to Professor Jean White CBE who retired in March after over a decade in post. Jean made an immeasurable contribution to the professions and I know Sue will continue to build on these achievements."

Professor Karen Cox, Deputy Chair, said:

"I was delighted to learn that Sue will be taking up the Chief Nursing Officer post in Wales. Her vast experience of nursing and midwifery practice and leadership expertise will make a difference to nurses and midwives as they remain at the heart of the response to Covid-19 and maintain the vital health and care services that people in Wales depend on.

"Colleagues across the NMC are looking forward to working together with Sue and her team and wish her the very best of luck as she begins this exciting role."

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