UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 01 AUGUST 2023
Dame Ruth May says she has “never been prouder to be a nurse” after being awarded an honorary doctorate from Birmingham City University (BCU) – and she believes a degree in nursing or midwifery can “open up an entire world of possibilities”.
England’s Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) said: “The decision to pursue a career as a nurse in the NHS can be life-changing - both for you, and for the patients you treat.
“I have never been prouder to be a nurse and choosing to dedicate my career to working in the NHS has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.
“A nursing or midwifery degree can open up an entire world of possibilities.”
Reacting to her BCU award, Dame Ruth said: “It’s a real privilege.
"Having my contribution to nursing and to the NHS recognised is humbling and I accept it on behalf of the nursing and midwifery professions who use their knowledge, expertise and experience to care for us throughout every stage of our lives.”
Dame Ruth has undertaken a variety of nursing roles since starting her career in 1985.
She has served as chief executive of both the Queen’s Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn and the Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust.
Appointed Executive Director of Nursing at NHS Improvement in 2016, she became CNO in 2019.
In 2022, as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Honours, she was awarded a DBE for her services to nursing, midwifery and the NHS.
Dame Ruth added: “Nursing has given me an incredible career, throughout which my passion for nursing has continued to grow.
"Working with brilliant, dedicated, skilled, and compassionate colleagues fuel this passion as I see them achieve remarkable things and make a difference to people’s lives every day.
“While I have always known how remarkable our health and care professions are, the pandemic has shone an even brighter light on their extraordinary work.
"Their expertise, professionalism and tireless work continues to be truly remarkable. I am incredibly proud and inspired by our professions and the fantastic work all our NHS people do every day.”