A renowned Nursing leader is to leave her roles at two Black Country NHS Trusts to take up an exciting new challenge in the academic field.
Professor Ann-Marie Cannaby, Group Chief Nurse at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, is to become Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Health at Coventry University.
Prof. Cannaby, who joined RWT in April 2018 and is Deputy Chief Executive at Walsall Healthcare, was made Group Chief Nurse in June 2022.
She has led on many new nursing initiatives including the nursing systems framework strategy and the Clinical Nursing Fellowship (CNF) programme.
She also introduced the CNF programme at Walsall, leading the initiative to reduce the reliance on agency staff. This saved a considerable amount of money as well as reducing patient harm while ensuring safe staffing levels.
Prof. Cannaby will leave the organisations in August 2023 but will continue as Academic Development Director for Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Healthcare Professionals supporting research across both Trusts.
“I have really enjoyed my time at both Trusts and I’m sorry to be leaving,” said Prof. Cannaby. “I am proud of what has been achieved in my time, in particular the introduction of the Clinical Nursing Fellowship, which has helped to virtually eliminate the use of agency nursing staff.
“I was also particularly proud of the overwhelming response of our Nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. There were so many examples of outstanding care despite the intense pressures – RWT and Walsall Healthcare will always have a special place in my heart.”
Professor David Loughton CBE, Group Chief Executive of both Trusts, said: “I would personally like to thank Ann-Marie for the support she has given me in leading Walsall Healthcare as Deputy Chief Executive and for all that she has done during her time with us.
“She will be sorely missed by myself and colleagues across both organisations.”
Professor John Latham CBE, Coventry University Vice-Chancellor, said: “We are delighted to have Ann-Marie join the Group as Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Health. Her vast experience in the field of nursing and health will be a welcome addition and help us as we continue to educate the healthcare professionals of the future both here in the UK and abroad.”