Sue Doheny, Regional Chief Nurse for NHS England and Improvement in the South West, has been awarded the MBE for services to nursing in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Honours. She was appointed into her current role in 2016 and has been a Board level Director in the NHS for provider and commissioning organisations across different health and social care economies for over 15 years.

“On receiving the award, Sue said: “I am humbled by this extraordinary recognition. I accept it not for myself but on behalf of all the nurses, midwives, students and those in the caring professions across the South West, where I have spent the most recent six years of my career. Any achievements I have had are as a result of working alongside such dedicated professionals, learning from them, and using that learning to improve care for patients. When I receive the award in person, I shall think of them all in that moment.”

Elizabeth O’Mahony, Regional Director for NHS England and Improvement in the South West, said: ““I am delighted that Sue Doheny had been honoured for her services to nursing in with an MBE. Sue is not only a compassionate and committed nursing and midwifery leader but a source of wise counsel to me and the regional nursing teams, ensuring that patient care and safety is the uppermost priority in all of our minds. I have learnt greatly from her, and I know while she will perhaps resist the spotlight this brings, no one could deserve it more.”

Sue started her nursing career in London following her training in Cardiff.  Following the birth of her first daughter she moved to Herefordshire to work as a community nurse in intermediate care, and where she ultimately became Director of Quality and Nursing.

Sue then worked across the West Midlands in various roles including Locality Director, Director of Operations, Director of Nursing and Managing Director. Sue’s passion for quality has led to her completing a Master’s Degree at the University of Birmingham in Health Service Improvement.