RCN welcomes new NMC Chief Executive and Registrar appointment

Published: 14 July 2009

The Royal College of Nursing welcomes the appointment of Professor Dickon Weir-Hughes as the new Nursing and Midwifery (NMC) Chief Executive and Registrar. The RCN says they look forward to working with the new chief executive but warns improvements are still needed in the speed and consistency of NMC judgements.

Dr. Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary says:

"We welcome Professor Weir-Hughes' experience in managing change and reform that will hold him in good stead at the NMC. There is still work to be done in speeding up the fitness to practice hearing process and in improving the consistency of NMC judgements, as well as working on the balance of the panels which judge nurses. We look forward to working with Professor Weir-Hughes to help the NMC to offer the best possible service in protecting patient safety and ensuring public confidence in nurses."

Professor Weir-Hughes qualified as a registered nurse 1987. He is currently Executive Director of Nursing at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust/Professor of Nursing at London South Bank University. He will succeed Kathy George CBE RRC as Chief Executive and Registrar on 2 November 2009.