UCLH appoints Vanessa Sweeney as chief nurse

UCLH is delighted to announce the appointment of Vanessa Sweeney as its chief nurse. She will take up the post with immediate effect. 

Vanessa has been acting chief nurse at UCLH since April 2022, and was previously deputy chief nurse and head of nursing for the surgery and cancer board. 

Vanessa has also held a number of operational and strategic senior nursing roles across UCLH and King’s College Hospital, and has a masters in professional leadership. She is the executive director sponsor for the black, asian and minority ethnic steering group and staff network at UCLH, and a champion for inclusive leadership. 

Vanessa said, “It has been such a privilege to lead our brilliant nursing and midwifery professions as acting chief nurse over the last year and it is huge honour to be appointed as chief nurse of UCLH. 

"I am passionate about education and continuous professional development. As chief nurse, I look forward to continuing to develop and retain our highly skilled nursing and midwifery workforce at UCLH to lead and deliver the highest quality of care for our patients.

"The NHS is not without its challenges but, through the dedication of our staff, I know together, we will continue to provide excellent care to our patients and their families as #OneTeam."

UCLH chief executive David Probert said, “I am delighted that Vanessa has been appointed as chief nurse of UCLH after a competitive recruitment process. Throughout her time at UCLH, and most recently as acting chief nurse, Vanessa has led our nursing and midwifery colleagues with exceptional skill, professionalism and kindness. 

“She is a wonderful colleague and team player, and her dedication to high-quality care and improving both patient and staff experience is clear to see.” 

UCLH’s former chief nurse, Flo Panel-Coates, stood down from her role in March 2023 after eight years. Flo is taking time to recover fully from post-COVID-related illness after a period of absence from her role.