Nursing and Midwifery Council Chair Steps down

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has announced that its Chair, Philip Graf, is stepping down due to illness following a stroke in September.

Responding to the news, Gill Walton, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Midwives, said: "I am deeply sorry to hear of Philip's illness and myself and the RCM wish him well with his recovery. We have had a really productive relationship with him during his tenure which has been beneficial for the NMC, the RCM, and for midwives. Philip has done a wonderful job and has been a tireless supporter of midwifery. He has been instrumental in ensuring that midwifery has a voice at the highest levels of the NMC, so that the profession and its specific needs are listened to and incorporated into the NMC's work and policies."

The NMC’s current acting Chair of the Council, Karen Cox has been covering the role since September, and will continue until a permanent successor is appointed early next year.

Gill Walton added, "The NMC chair remains in very capable hands with Karen who will, I am sure, carry on the great work already done by herself and Philip."