Alex McMahon's decision brings to an end a ‘distinguished
career'.
Scotland's Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Professor Alex McMahon is
to retire later this month, marking the conclusion of a career
dedicated to advancing healthcare and nursing practice across the
country.
Professor McMahon was officially appointed to the CNO position in
December 2021, having carried out the role on an interim basis
since the October of that year.
During his tenure, Professor McMahon oversaw the implementation
of the Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act 2019, which came
into effect on April 1 this year to ensure there are sufficient
staffing levels to meet patients' needs. He also played a key
role in the Nursing and Midwifery taskforce which is at the final
stages of recommendations, with a focus on recruitment and
retention in both professions.
Deputy CNO, Anne Armstrong, will act as the interim CNO from
Friday 26 April, until the recruitment process to fulfil the CNO
post has concluded.
Professor McMahon said:
“Being the CNO in Scotland has been a great privilege. It really
has been the ‘icing on the cake' of my career. Throughout my time
in the role, it has been particularly gratifying to be associated
with the implementation of the Health and Care (Staffing)
(Scotland) Act 2019 and the Nursing and Midwifery taskforce. I am
also proud to have been involved with work on a range of issues
from hospital acquired infection and antimicrobial resistance to
regulation and the development of advanced practice roles. In
addition, our ‘Once for Scotland Retire to Return' policy has
been a highlight, benefitting a huge number of staff and patients
across NHS Scotland.
“None of the work I've been involved with would have been
possible without the support of a strong team and I'd like to
thank them for helping me drive forward these changes that I hope
have made a difference.”
Health Secretary Neil Gray said:
“Throughout his tenure as Chief Nursing Officer, Professor
McMahon has demonstrated a profound commitment to the nursing
profession, championing the interests of healthcare workers and
advocating for the highest standards of patient care. His
leadership has been characterised by compassion, integrity and a
relentless pursuit of excellence during some of the most
challenging times for our health service.
“On behalf of the Scottish Government, I'd like to congratulate
Professor McMahon on his distinguished career and extend our
sincerest gratitude for his service. I wish him a long and
fulfilling retirement.”
Background
Prior to his role as CNO, Professor McMahon was the Executive
Director of Nursing, Midwifery and AHPs at NHS Lothian and was
Chair of the Scottish Executive Nurse Directors group for four
years, working closely with the previous Chief Nursing Officer to
shape policy and professional practice. He qualified as a
registered mental health nurse in 1986, and as a registered
general nurse in 1989, and has worked in the private sector, NHS
and Scottish Government. He holds honorary professorships with
the University of Stirling and Queen Margaret University.
The CNO role will be advertised as part of a fair and open
external recruitment process and will be chaired by a Civil
Service Commissioner, in accordance with the Civil Service
Recruitment Principles.
The CNO has professional responsibility for the nursing,
midwifery, allied health professions (NMAHP) and Health Care
Science (HSC) workforce. This is in addition to responsibility
for professional leadership and advice in relation to healthcare
associated infection and providing policy advice to ministers on
a wide range of health-related areas.
