UNISON has appointed Louie Horne as national nursing officer, responsible for promoting and defending the interests of nursing staff for the union, it was announced today (Thursday).
She will take up the role next month (November).
A registered adult nurse, Louie brings a wealth of clinical and strategic experience to the post, with more than 25 years in nursing.
For the past year she has served as senior strategic improvement lead at the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust with responsibility for workforce development, health inequalities and digital transformation.
In addition to senior clinical roles, Louie has held research positions, contributing to the national workforce equality initiatives and international recruitment strategy.
Louie has also specialised in equality, diversity and inclusion during her time as an adviser at RCNi, a learning platform for nursing staff.
She has vast experience leading and supporting international staff groups. This has included more than ten years recruiting and supporting nurses from the Philippines, India and Africa.
Louie also chairs the Filipino Senior Nurses Alliance in the UK and is vice president of the Filipino Nurses Association UK. She says these roles have given her a real insight into global nursing challenges and the experiences of overseas nurses working in the NHS.
Her appointment brings a strong voice for international nurses, says UNISON.
Louie holds postgraduate qualifications in intensive care nursing from the University of Cambridge’s school of health studies.
She continued her studies at Anglia Ruskin University, specialising in human physiology for intensive care, and has completed programmes at the NHS Leadership Academy and University of Hertfordshire.
Louie Horne said: “I’m honoured to be joining UNISON to represent and champion all nursing staff.
“Having worked both in frontline and strategic leadership roles, I’m keen to ensure nurses, midwives, nursing associates, students and healthcare assistants have a strong voice and receive the support they deserve.
“My focus will be on safer staffing levels, fair pay that reflects their skills and dedication, and supportive workplaces where staff can thrive and deliver world-class patient care.”
UNISON head of health Helga Pile said: “Louie brings a broad clinical background, strategic leadership, and a commitment to international nursing advocacy.
“This depth of experience will play a vital role in strengthening UNISON’s support for nursing staff and shaping policies that reflect the diversity of the profession.
“With the NHS under immense pressure, Louie’s expertise will help ensure the voices of nursing staff are heard, their contributions recognised and their needs met as we work towards a more sustainable and inclusive health service.”
Notes to editors:
– Louie’s leadership has been recognised with multiple honours, including the British Empire Medal from King Charles, the Chief Nursing Officer Silver Award from Dame Ruth May, and listings in the Health Service Journal’s 50 Most Influential BAME leaders in health (2022 and 2023). She has been a judge for the Nursing Standard, Nursing Times and Health Service Journal awards, and as a member of the RCNi editorial advisory board.
– Images are available on request.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in both the public and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Fatima Ayad M: 07508 080383 E: f.ayad@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
The article UNISON appoints new national nursing officer first appeared on the UNISON National site.
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