England gets its first ever adviser for care home nurses

Professor Deborah Sturdy has been appointed as the first ever strategic adviser on improving support for care home nurses.

Credit: NHS England

In her new role, Professor Sturdy will provide the chief nursing officer for England, Ruth May, with expert advice from those nurses working to deliver the high-quality clinical care for people living in care homes, helping them to stay healthy, happy and independent for longer.

'I am delighted to welcome Deborah as the first-ever strategic adviser for care home nursing'

The new role will also ensure the voices of nurses in care homes are heard at the very top of the nursing profession.

Professor Sturdy said: “I am delighted to be working with Ruth and her team as the first strategic adviser on nurses working in care homes. This is a fantastic opportunity for me to shine a light on the important work of nurses across social care.”

Professor Sturdy has worked across health and social care throughout her career, including as director of health and wellbeing at The Royal Hospital Chelsea, the home of the Chelsea Pensioners, and as honorary nurse adviser for Care England, the body representing providers of care homes and home care services.

She is also a Fellow of the Queens Nursing Institute (QNI) and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), as well as being a trustee of the International Longevity Centre – UK and Foundation of Nursing Studies.

Ruth May, chief nursing officer for England said: “I am delighted to welcome Deborah as the first-ever strategic adviser for care home nursing – it is fantastic news for team CNO, for care home nurses and for people who benefit from their care.

“During the Year of the Nurse and Midwife I want to celebrate the diversity of our profession, and this new role reflects how important care home nurses are in delivering high-quality clinical care, dignity and independence for so many older people.”

General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, governor Royal Hospital Chelsea said: “I am delighted that Professor Deborah Sturdy, our director of health and wellbeing, will be taking on this very important role supporting the chief nurse for England to recognise the important work nurses do in social care.

“Deborah has been instrumental in developing the services we provide for 300 Chelsea Pensioners, the older Army veterans whose home is here the Royal Hospital Chelsea. This appointment recognises her achievements and will enable her to contribute in a leadership role for the wider nursing profession in their important work looking after some of the country’s most vulnerable people.”

One of the Long Term Plan’s ambitions is to help more people to age well, which includes offering more support in care homes through making sure they have strong links with local general practices and community services.

Vic Rayner, executive director of The National Care Forum said: “On behalf of the National Care Forum, I am delighted to see the introduction of such a key role within the chief nurse’s team.

“Deborah will provide hugely valuable insight into the importance and experience of nursing within social care. We look forward to working closely with her and the rest of the team.”

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