NMC pays tribute to those recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours list

Andrea Sutcliffe CBE, Chief Executive and Registrar at the NMC, said:

“Huge congratulations to the exceptional nursing and midwifery professionals recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours list. These outstanding achievements are a testament to their hard work and dedication to providing fantastic care that improves people’s health and wellbeing.

“I’m particularly delighted to see Professor Janice Sigsworth, Chief Nurse at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, is now Dame Janice in recognition of her services to nursing. Janice has been a passionate advocate for integrating education, research, and practice, to improve outcomes for people. Janice has also provided expert insight and knowledge to help shape our work through her contributions to our professional engagement panels.

“Professor Brian Webster-Henderson has been awarded an OBE for services to the NHS and to education. Brian has been an important partner for the NMC, having provided valuable support to us during his tenure as Chair of the Council of Deans of Health, particularly throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. His efforts to improve nursing education and ensure that it aligns with people’s evolving health and care needs are inspirational.

“It’s wonderful to see Karen Bonner, Chief Nurse at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, honoured with an MBE for services to nursing. Karen has worked tirelessly to advance nursing practice and professionals’ careers, alongside being a champion for equality and diversity within the health and care workforce. Karen’s also been an active and enthusiastic collaborator with the NMC, for which we are extremely grateful.

“I’d also like to congratulate Professor Laura Serrant, formerly Regional Head of Nursing & Midwifery for Health Education England (North East and Yorkshire), who has received a CBE for services to nursing. Laura has actively been involved in shaping both national and international health policy for more than three decades. Laura also wrote the poignant poem on the National Windrush Monument at Waterloo station “You called……and we came”.

Sir David Warren, Chair of the NMC's Council, said:

“I'm delighted that the significant contributions of so many nursing and midwifery professionals across the UK have been recognised. I’d particularly like to congratulate Rob Behrens CBE, the former Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, who has been awarded a Knighthood for Public Service. Rob’s dedication to public service and improving public trust has been inspiring, and I am very pleased for him.

“On behalf of our Council, I’d like to send my warmest congratulations and thanks to each and every honouree this year.”