Varadkar Announces New CNO Appointees

Minister for Health Leo Varadkar has announced the appointment of three Deputy Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs) in the Department, focusing on primary care and women's health, policy and education, and patient safety.

Announcing the new posts, Minister Varadkar said: "These new Deputy Chief Nursing Officers are an important addition to the Department and will bring a particular focus to areas like patient safety, education and careers, and primary care and women's health. I hope that these appointments send a clear message to nurses of how much we value and appreciate their profession.

"The new positions will help to develop nursing as a profession with a clear career path, development prospects and promotional opportunities. The earlier appointment of Dr Siobhan O'Halloran, the Chief Nursing Officer, has already given nursing a voice at the top level in the Department in all aspects of health policy. The three Deputies will further strengthen that input.

"The Chief Nursing Officer and her Deputies will help to keep patient safety at the core of nursing policy development and nursing practice, and ensure that benefits are felt by patients and staff alike. I know they will be a real force for change in this area."

The new appointees are:

Susan Kent, who is responsible for Women's Health and Primary Care Services. Her role covers maternity services, women’s health, child health and welfare, and the delivery of all nursing services within the community.

Anne-Marie Ryan, is responsibe for Nursing and Midwifery Policy, Education and Legislation. This involves creating new and dynamic roles for nurses and midwives in line with the changing needs of patients.

Philippa Ryan Witheroe, is responsible for Clinical Governance and Practice. Her role focuses on accountability and is primarily concerned with patient safety.

(MH/CD)