Posted on: 25 August 2022
Today Helen Willetts, one of our most experienced Directors of Nursing, stands down after 37 years of being a nurse. She will however be returning to continue to work on the front line for a couple of days a week. She has had many farewells with the teams she has worked with, who all hold her in great affection for her advice, good humour and sheer presence. She is replaced by James Smith, as the new Director of Nursing for Diggory.
Maria O’Brien, CNWL’s Chief Nursing Officer, pays this tribute:
‘I’ve known Helen for many years when we first worked together in Hillingdon back in 2007. Helen is a fabulous nurse and an incredible role model for nursing. Her efforts during the pandemic were recognised by Dame Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer for England, when she was awarded the Silver medal for her “major contributions to patients and the profession.” She has much to be proud of in her career here at CNWL and in particular, the role she has played in mentoring and coaching our next generation of nursing leaders and specialists. Her work as the Director of Infection, Prevention and Control during the pandemic has been outstanding. We will all deeply miss her at CNWL but I am delighted that she will continue to practice with us on a part-time basis.