Deputy chief nursing officer for England, Hilary Garratt, is retiring in June and will be replaced on a secondment basis by one of the regional nurse directors.
The changes have been announced in an email to NHS England staff, seen by Nursing Times, from the country’s chief nursing officer, Dame Ruth May.
“Acosia’s contributions extend beyond her professional roles”
Ruth May
In the email, Dame Ruth revealed that Acosia Nyanin, who is currently chief nurse for the South East region at NHS England, would take over the role from June as a secondment.
Paying tribute to Ms Garratt, Dame Ruth said: “Hilary has been an integral part of the NHS nursing leadership in England for many years, and as deputy CNO – professional and system leadership.
“She has made an outstanding contribution during her career and leaves with our heartfelt thanks and best wishes.”
Registering as an adult nurse in 1987, Ms Garratt then qualified as a health visitor in 1990 and later completed another qualification to become a lecturer and practice educator in 1997.
She has been working in national nursing roles for around the last decade and is a visiting professor at Chester University.
Meanwhile, Ms Nyanin has been working in the health and social care sector for more than 20 years.
She started her clinical career as a healthcare support worker before qualifying as a mental health nurse.
She took up the regional chief nurse role at NHS England in July 2021 from her post of chief nurse at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
Her other previous leadership roles include professional lead for acute mental health and addictions at the Priory Group, and head of inspection for adult social care at the Care Quality Commission.
In her email, Dame Ruth said: “Acosia’s contributions extend beyond her professional roles.
“She is also an advocate of supporting good mental health amongst NHS staff and has written about the psychological impact of Covid 19, championing parity for physical and mental health.
“Acosia has a passion for delivering person-centred care and mental health and brings to the role a wealth of knowledge and experience.”
