Honorary award for Chief Nurse

Cheryl Etches OBE, who has held the position since 2005, was presented with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science at a ceremony on Thursday 12 September.

The honour from the University’s School of Health and Wellbeing was made in recognition of Cheryl’s significant and innovative contributions to health care education.

Speaking about her award, Cheryl said: “"It is a great privilege to be honoured in this way by the University of Wolverhampton.

“I am extremely proud to be recognised by an institution which has an outstanding reputation for its nursing courses, as well as its commitment to improving health and wellbeing in the West Midlands region.

“I look forward to continuing my working relationship with the University.”

Cheryl started her nurse training at Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham in 1979, and after qualifying, gained experience in surgical nursing before embarking on her career in Accident and Emergency (A&E).

In 1986, Cheryl moved to Saudi Arabia where she spent five years in acute hospital roles, returning to Derby Royal Hospital as a Senior Sister and then Head of Nursing in A&E.

She later embarked on her management career, holding the posts of A&E Manager and Trust Clinical Governance Lead, before moving to Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham in 2001 as Deputy Director of Nursing.

As Chief Nurse at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Cheryl is responsible for areas including infection prevention, patient safety and quality, patient experience, nurse education, non-medical research and governance.

Among her many achievements, she has gained an international reputation for reducing healthcare acquired infections, as well as national awards for her infection prevention, dementia and patient safety initiatives.

The University of Wolverhampton’s graduation ceremonies take place at the Grand Theatre from Thursday 5 September to Friday 13 September 2013.

ENDS

For more information please contact Patrick Campbell in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322448

Date Issued: Friday 13 September 2013