University boosts Nursing provision with two high-level appointments

Buckinghamshire New University has appointed two new visiting professors to its Nursing and healthcare team: David Foster and Janice Sigsworth.

Prof David Sines, Pro Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean: Society & Health, at Bucks New University said: "The appointees both have a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise in nursing practice, leadership and management, and we are delighted that they have agreed to formalise their working relationships with us by becoming visiting professors. We look forward to learning from them as they bring their senior level expertise to the University to the benefit of our students and employees, and all those who benefit from our constant drive to further improve healthcare provision in London and the South Central region."  

David Foster, PhD MSc RN RM FCIPD is Deputy Chief Nursing Officer, Department of Health for England, a role which encompasses responsibility for a broad portfolio including: the workforce, education, leadership, research, international and black and minority ethnic issues for nursing and midwifery. He is also the lead for substantial, national programmes of work, including Modernising Nursing Careers, and Midwifery 2020, a review of midwifery services and careers.

He has previously been Programme Director for Midwifery Strategy, Department of Health for England, Director of Non-medical Postgraduate Development, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, and Director of Nursing, Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust. Foster was a nurse member of the Department of Health workforce planning group, the NHS Next Stage Review, and Chairman of the Association of UK University Hospitals Directors of Nursing Group. He is a peer reviewer for two management journals and has previously taught research methods as a part-time visiting lecturer at Buckinghamshire New University.

Janice Sigsworth RGN DipN BSc MSc is Director of Nursing, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, and a former Deputy Chief Nurse (England). She has also served as Executive Director of Nursing and Workforce for North Central London Strategic Health Authority and Executive Director of Commissioning, North Central London Workforce Development Confederation. Her career has included stints for Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust, the Royal Free Hospital, Hammersmith Hospital Trust, and Charing Cross and University College Hospitals.

Janice has been a prolific author for journals such as Professional Nurse and Nursing Management, as well as a range of Department of Health publications. Her professional contributions include serving as Chair of the NHS London Workforce Advisory Forum and Commissioner for the Prime Minister's Commission into Nursing and Midwifery.