NHS Connecting for Health has appointed Susan Osborne, director of nursing services at St Mary’s NHS Trust, London, as its new national clinical lead for the nursing professions.

Susan OsbourneOsborne (pictured) replaces Heather Tierney-Moore, who quit at the end of last year for a new post of director of nursing at NHS Lothian. Other posts held by Osborne include chief executive of the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital NHS Trust and director of nursing and quality at the Luton & Dunstable Hospital NHS Trust.

"I am looking forward to this new challenge and to building on the work already done to engage with the nursing professions," said Osborne on here appointment.

Osborne will be responsible for improving the communication between Connecting for Health and the nursing profession. She joins Dr Gillian Braunold and Professor Mike Pringle, both GP clinical leads, Barbara Stuttle, who represents community nurses, and Jan Laidlow, clinical lead for allied health professionals.

Richard Jeavons, director of service implementation for NHS Connecting for Health, said of the appointment: "I am delighted Susan has agreed to take on this vital leadership role for nursing and NHS Connecting for Health."