Ms Dodsworth, originally from Leeds, has been a nurse for nearly 35 years. She trained as a general nurse at the Bradford School of Nursing before moving to London to take up a staff nurse post.Sarah completed her mental health nurse training while in London and went on to work as a mental health nurse in both ward and community settings.
More recently, she was operational manager for the RCN in its South East region before relocating to the North to take up a post in the care home sector and then the NHS.
Patricia Marquis, RCN executive director for England, said:
“With a lifelong background in nursing, spanning the independent sector and NHS, Sarah’s understanding and knowledge of the challenges facing nursing staff is second to none.
Sarah has been a champion for the nursing profession throughout her career. I know that she will continue to speak up for nursing and actively campaign in her new role for safe staffing, fair pay for nursing and high-quality health care."
Sarah Dodsworth said:
“It feels like coming home. I have always loved nursing and look forward to helping to make a difference for nurses across Cumbria, the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber.
“I am a passionate nurse and trade unionist at heart and am both proud and privileged to take up this role during these challenging times."
In her spare time Sarah is a keen open water swimmer and has previously swum the channel to raise money for the RCN Foundation.
