Chief Nursing Officer
The Chief Nursing Officer manages the Communicating for Safety and Comprehensive Care Programs, providing expert clinical advice and a voice for nursing experience and professional practice.
Adjunct Professor Anna Thornton
Adjunct Professor Anna Thornton was appointed to the new position of Chief Nursing Officer in April 2024. Prior to this appointment, she was Executive Director of Nursing, St Vincent’s Hospital Network and has held Director of Nursing positions at Liverpool Hospital, Canberra Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital.
At the Commission, the Chief Nursing Officer manages the Communicating for Safety and Comprehensive Care Programs, providing expert clinical advice and a voice for nursing experience and professional practice.
During her career, Professor Thornton has led strategy in acute care nursing, patient safety and quality, workforce planning and nursing-led research. She has also advised on policy matters through numerous Chair and co-Chair appointments to key nursing and acute care committees.
In November 2023, Professor Thornton received the prestigious Judith Meppem Lifetime Achievement Award at the 11th annual NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards. This award recognises the contribution of an outstanding nurse or midwife who, throughout their career, has had a positive and sustained influence on patients, the health system and their profession.