One of Farnham’s own will now be leading the way as the head of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).

After taking over as the Acting Chief Executive in December 2022, Nicola Ranger will now take on the role on a permanent basis.

Nicola was a student at local schools in the area and has gone on to work at America’s George Washington University Hospital and Mount Sinai Medical Centre in New York.

She also held chief nurse posts at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust and Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust. The latter is one of Farnham’s closest main hospitals.

Professor Ranger said: “I am so proud to be a nurse and believe passionately in nursing as a profession.

“I’m really excited to be joining the RCN and look forward to meeting and working with nursing colleagues across the country.”

In her new role, she will take the lead for the professional body and trade union in clinical excellence, education, workforce and patient safety issues.  Professor Ranger will work alongside the RCN’s Governing Council, Professional Nursing Committee, forums and networks to promote and advance the art and science of nursing. She will also further the links between the College and the UK’s chief nursing officers, the Nursing and Midwifery Council regulator and directors of nursing in health and care settings across the four countries of the UK. RCN General Secretary & Chief Executive Pat Cullen said: “In a distinguished field, Nicola’s passion, commitment and vast expertise shone through. This appointment is crucial to the RCN’s professional work and she will provide clear leadership for our members in this area.     “We are at a critical moment for nursing and Nicola will join a dedicated team committed to advancing the profession and to enabling safe and effective patient care.”