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Deputy Chief Nurse honoured by University of Salford

Thursday 18 July 2019

A NURSING leader who worked her way up after starting as a cleaner has received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Salford.

Hilary Garratt, CBE, is the Deputy Chief Nursing Officer for England and leads on a range of national programmes that focus on safeguarding vulnerable people and supporting the professional development and leadership of the nursing profession.

She was born in Oldham and worked in the Salford health system for over 16 years, having undertaken a variety of nursing roles including surgical nursing and intensive care in North Manchester. Hilary moved to Salford to work in the community and then progressed into nursing leadership and management. She is a registered Nurse and Health Visitor, with 36 years’ experience of working in clinical, public health and Executive leadership roles in the NHS.

Hilary said: “It has been, and continues to be, a real privilege to work as a nurse. You often work with people when they are at their most vulnerable, and not only does it give a true sense of purpose to one’s career, but it helps shape you both as a professional and as a person as you learn and develop, and that is such a special privilege.” 

Her time working in Salford were inspirational and crucial years, as she continued to work, study and raise a family who continue to be proud residents of Salford.

Hilary has held a number of Executive Director posts across both commissioning and provider organisations, in addition to holding a Deputy Chief Executive post for both.

She has been working at National Director level for the last 7 years and in 2017 she received a CBE for services to Nursing and her national work to safeguard some of the most vulnerable people in society.

In 2018 she was nominated as one of the country’s 400 Women of Achievement and Inspiration.

On her Honorary Doctorate from the University of Salford School of Health and Society, Hilary said: “I’m so proud to stand in front of so many talented young health professionals who are at the start of their careers. 

“They are entering a profession that will be full of opportunities and it will be rewarding in so many ways. There will surely be some be tough times, but working with amazing colleagues and having the ability to influence the health and well-being of people and communities is an enormous and rewarding privilege.“

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Sam Wood

0161 295 5361