Benenden Health welcomes Royal College of Nursing CEO, Prof. Nicola Ranger
Benenden Health's Society Matron and Nurse Consultant, Dr. Cheryl Lythgoe, hosted RCN Chief Executive, Professor Nicola Ranger and other Royal College of Nursing (RCN) delegates to York on Thursday 3rd April, to discuss challenges and priorities for nurses working in the independent sector.
07 April 2025, by Megan Anderson.
Dr. Lythgoe, who also holds the position of Co-Chair of the Regional Independent Network for the RCN, invited CEO Ranger and delegates to the Benenden Health offices to discuss how they can increase opportunities for nurses in the independent sector, and how they can then better support nurses within the NHS.
Dr. Lythgoe and Ranger were joined by Chloe Haigh, Chief Nurse for the prison service, Prof. Kate Flemming, Head of Department (Teaching) for the University of York, Prof. David Barrett, Deputy Head of Department (Teaching) for the University of York, Melissa Owens, Director of Nurse Education, Jan Chaseley, Urology Specialist Nurse, Isabel Smith, Nursing Associate, Carly Spice, Ward Manager, Angela Mackay, Lead Nurse and Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Danielle Arundale, Lead Nurse and Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Llinos Connolly, Respiratory Specialist Nurse and Nadine Cameron, Lead Nurse in General Practice.
Recent data shows1 that 57% of nurses in the UK work outside of the NHS in independent fields, including the prison service, private hospitals and practice network, and in academic fields. However, independent nurses seek standards of employment that align with NHS nurses across areas such as pay, continued professional development (CPD) and recruitment visibility.
The roundtable, hosted at Benenden Health's Holgate Park Drive headquarters, discussed how greater visibility is needed in education, around routes into independent practice. It was also discussed how independent nurses would like to see a similar pay structure to the NHS' 'Agenda for Change', whereby employees are paid in bands, and are presented with promotional opportunities once they reach the top of their band.
Attendees also discussed CPD, specifically the need for mandated learning for independent nurses, as well as ensuring the calibration of the topics NHS nurses complete.
Dr. Cheryl Lythgoe comments on the importance of Thursday’s meeting, "For me, nursing is a profession that is known for its compassion, resilience and dedication. Nurses are the backbone of any healthcare system, providing expert professional knowledge and education often under very challenging conditions.
"Nurses who work in private and independent circles don’t often have the visibility that our NHS colleagues do, which impacts our professional identity within the larger healthcare system. However, we still maintain our professional commitment to providing essential care, education, and ongoing support to people in what may be their most vulnerable moments.
"Hosting Nicola Ranger today has been both a pleasure and a great opportunity to showcase the RCN’s commitment to support representation and advocacy for independent sector nurses, whether this is through their practical advice, campaign work on fair pay or networking and communities."
Professor Nicola Ranger adds, "It was wonderful to meet leaders from general practice, education and across all forms of independent health and social care (IHSC). It was an important opportunity to discuss the serious issues affecting the nursing profession and how vital their role is for patients and service users. Their commitment to the profession and the people they look after really stood out.
"One of the key take-aways from my visit was the need for equity of terms and conditions with the NHS, such as maternity leave and the importance of being true professional partners.
"The RCN is a passionate champion of IHSC nursing staff and proactively engages with members and leaders to speak up for patients and our profession."