Professor Trish Morris-Thompson announces her retirement

One of the most senior nurses in the UK care sector, Professor Trish Morris-Thompson, currently Director of Quality and Clinical Governance at Barchester Healthcare, has announced that she is retiring on 28^th Feb 2017.

During her 38 year-long career she has worked in high-ranking positions within both the NHS and the private sector and is a vocal ambassador for nurses and carers.

She is a practicing nurse and midwife and has had a far-reaching impact across different areas of healthcare through her numerous professional and voluntary roles.

Positions she currently holds include: Chief Nurse and Director of Quality and Clinical Governance at national care provider, Barchester Healthcare; Nurse Advisor to Care England; Trustee at The Florence Nightingale Foundation; and a position in the NMC Professional Strategic Advisory Group.

Professor Morris-Thompson is an established author, often published in professional journals, with an international reputation for leadership in nursing and midwifery. She has received a string of accolades throughout her career, including an RCN Fellowship Award for an outstanding contribution to Nursing.

Professor Morris-Thompson said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Chief Nurse at Barchester, where I have been humbled and inspired by the individuals working for the company, who are committed to delivering compassionate, person-centred care for our residents and patients.

“I am delighted to have been an ambassador for staff in this sector. I'm proud of the evolution of the company during my time here and am excited by the plans going forward.”

Dr Pete Calveley, CEO at Barchester Healthcare said: “Trish joined Barchester nearly four years ago and since then we have made significant steps in enhancing the quality of care that we provide to our residents and patients, and this is reflected in the improvements that we have seen in our ratings from our regulators.

“In addition, she has overseen the development of a new dementia care programme and driven a number of major changes in the way her department is structured and supports the rest of the business in achieving our long-term quality goals.

“She has also been a fantastic ambassador not just for Barchester but for the nursing profession as a whole.

“I'd like to thank Trish for everything that she has achieved during her time with Barchester and for her support during my time as CEO, and I wish her every success in the future.”

Many professionals who have worked alongside Trish Morris-Thompson during her career have spoken highly of her contribution and wish her a very happy retirement:

Cathy Warwick, Chief Executive, Royal College of Midwives said: “The RCM would like to wish Trish Morris-Thompson a very happy retirement.  Throughout her career, Trish has been a committed advocate for high-quality maternity care and in her various positions has been a strong supporter of midwives.  She will be missed by the profession.”

Professor Deborah Sturdy, Nurse Advisor for Care England said: “Trish has made a significant contribution across Health and Social Care during her career. Her influence has helped put nursing and midwifery on the map. Her career in the NHS led to her attaining a number of senior positions in both Nursing & Midwifery which made significant strides in improving patient care.  She has challenged on behalf of, and championed social care nursing during the latter part of her career and made a lasting impression on the sector".

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive, Care England said: “Professor Trish Morris-Thompson has made an outstanding contribution to health and care over her very distinguished career. Trish has excelled as a practitioner, manager, thought leader and academic, and is one of very few people who has worked in both the NHS and the Independent Sector. Trish’s commitment, energy and creative thinking will be a great loss to the Health  and Social Care System.”

Jenni Middleton, Editor at The Nursing Times said: “Trish Morris-Thompson has become a huge champion of the nursing profession. She is someone you can depend on to speak up for what nurses need to do a good job for those they care for. She has been named one of Nursing Times Most Inspirational Nurse Leaders, and her passion and common sense approach will be much missed by all of us at Nursing Times. I wish her well in her future endeavours.”