RCN Wales Director is Appointed to National Advisory Board
Published: 18 February 2009
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in Wales is pleased to announce that Tina Donnelly, Director RCN Wales, has been appointed to Welsh Assembly Government's National Advisory Board. The new National Advisory Board (NAB) – to be chaired by Edwina Hart, Minister for Health and Social Services – will be in place by 1 April 2009 to oversee the implementation of the proposed new NHS structure in Wales. The NAB will provide independent advice to the Minister to help inform her decisions on setting priorities for the NHS.
Tina Donnelly said: "I was delighted to hear that I was appointed to the National Advisory Board. The multi-disciplinary board will have the best interest of all healthcare professionals working in the national health service and will ensure that healthcare services for the nation is a major priority for the government.
Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive and General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said:
"We are delighted to learn of Tina's appointment. Tina has excellent trade union experience and will be ideally placed to ensure the voice of nursing in Wales is heard loud and clear. As well as promoting the interests of nursing in Wales, the role will allow Tina to advocate for the whole healthcare team, giving them the opportunity to help shape and influence the development of NHS Wales."
Gareth Phillips, Chair of the RCN Welsh Board and RCN Council Member for Wales, said: "I am pleased to see Tina appointed to this role. I feel sure she will provide the expert resources on behalf of the whole of the health team to contribute to the reconfiguration of healthcare services in Wales."
Tina Donnelly became Director, RCN Wales in August 2004 and is also a member of the executive team of RCN UK. She is a Registered Nurse who trained at The Ulster Hospital Belfast. She later undertook Midwifery training in London and specialist training in cardiac nursing, critical care nursing, palliative care, and teaching as well as a BSc(Hons) and also an MSc (Econ) from the University of Wales in Cardiff. Tina has held both senior management posts in the NHS and academic posts in higher education. She has also worked in the Welsh Assembly Government as a Nursing Officer within the Office of the Chief Nursing and advised on health and nursing policy, regulation, human resources, research and education. Tina has a profound interest in health care & clinical governance and maintains clinical practice in intensive care nursing. She has also worked internationally providing healthcare in areas of conflict and humanitarian aid.