New year new beginnings

As 2024 gets underway, we say goodbye and good luck to one of our region’s true inspirations. 

Professor Laura Serrant OBE will be stepping down as the Regional Head of Nursing and Midwifery for NHS England’s Workforce Training and Education Directorate (formerly HEE) in the North East and Yorkshire region to begin a new chapter with Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust. 

Laura has been a Professor of Nursing at Sheffield Hallam University and was a Non-Executive Director for Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust and Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust. She is a BBC Expert Women Panel Member, a Fellow of the American Academy of Nurses, the previous Chair of the Chief Nursing Officer for England's BME Strategic Advisory group and a Fellow of the Royal College of Nursing. 

She is also a Trustee of the Florence Nightingale Foundation, an Ambassador of the Mary Seacole Memorial Statue, and an Ambassador of the Equality Challenge Unit Race Equality Charter for Higher Education. 

During her time leading Nursing and Midwifery for the North East and Yorkshire, Laura has been at the forefront for championing inclusivity, empowerment and balanced critical thinking for patient and students alike. She has always embraced challenging conversations, ensuring every voice is heard in the process.  

Mike Curtis, Regional Director for the WT&E North East and Yorkshire, said:  

“Laura has given superb senior leadership to our NHS and has been a source of wisdom with a passion that inspires us all. During her time with us, she has ensured that the nursing growth targets have been met - and met early. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Laura for all she has done to develop and grow the profession, and for developing a great team to take on the challenge from here.” 

Professor Laura Serrant OBE, Regional Head of Nursing and Midwifery for WT&E North East and Yorkshire, said:  

“It’s my absolute pleasure to take up the role as Chair of Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust. The Trust has a great reputation of championing the care and wellbeing of children and families in South Yorkshire and beyond for over a century. I am looking forward to joining such a committed professional group of colleagues. My aim as Chair is to build on Sarah’s great legacy and work with the Chief Executive, Board, and governors to further optimise health, equity and wellness for the children and families in the region.”  

We need your help! 

On Thursday 25 January 2024 we ask you to join us on X (formally Twitter) to share your best wishes and fondest memories of your times with Laura. Please tag both @lauraserrant and @NHSHEE_NEY so we can look back and celebrate together.