First Filipino Appointed Executive Chief Nurse in NHS
Nursing Times has reported an NHS first, with the appointment of Oliver Soriano as new chief nurse and quality officer at Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust. A Filipino has never before been awarded the position of executive nurse director within the NHS.
Soriano originally moved from the Philippines to London in 1998, joining the NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) in 1999. During his long career with the NHS as a registered adult and mental health nurse, Soriano has been an advanced clinical practitioner, a matron, head of nursing, and associate director of nursing. He currently serves as the president of the PNAUK.
Speaking with Nursing Times, Dennis Singson, the vice president of the Philippine Nurses Association UK (PNAUK), is quoted as saying, “There is a space for an [internationally educated nurse] on the table, and this showed us that this can happen in our lifetime.”
The national chief nursing officer (CNO) for England, Dame Ruth May, and the Filipino nursing community have heralded his appointment. Dame Ruth told Nursing Times: “I am sure Oliver will bring a wealth of experience to [Lancashire and South Cumbria].
“I know he has a deep passion and respect for the profession worldwide and his patient facing values will be a credit to those who need his care.”
Mr. Soriano has also been involved with the Florence Nightingale Foundation (FNF) in its efforts to assist internationally educated nurses (IENs), and the charity, along with others, praised his appointment.
Dennis Singson noted that this milestone achievement is inspiring for all nurses from the Philippines working in the UK, as it underscores the potential for internationally educated nurses to attain significant roles in their careers.
Mr. Soriano expressed to Nursing Times, " It is such an honour to have been chosen to lead our amazing nurses and allied health professionals. “I am very much looking forward to my new role and to joining the board.”
This article is based on the original article by Nursing Times, which you can read here : https://www.nursingtimes.net/news/leadership-news/first-filipino-executive-chief-nurse-appointed-in-nhs-24-10-2023/