Hampshire Hospitals’ Chief Nurse and Deputy Chief Executive, Julie Dawes, has been awarded the honour of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of her contribution to nursing and the NHS, as part of the King’s Birthday Honours.
Julie has been a nurse for 45 years and an NHS Board Director for over 20 years. During that time, she has been instrumental in inspiring excellence in nursing care, in increasing recruitment to the profession and in developing nurse leaders for the future. She has led teams from Hampshire to Yorkshire, in acute hospitals, community and mental health services. She has changed nursing practice, with a particular passion for patient experience and safety, supporting patients with mental health needs, and for coaching and developing the nurses of the future.
Julie’s early career began in cancer and palliative career, she played a key role in establishing the first bone marrow transplant in Southampton. She has always championed the role of nurses in research and played a key part in appointing the first Professors of Nursing at hospitals in Huddersfield and Portsmouth. Her notable achievements have included being part of the planning and opening of the new Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth, setting up the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Cancer Network and leading Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust (now part of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust) as their Interim Chief Executive.
As Chief Nurse at Hampshire Hospitals for the past five years, Julie has been instrumental in the Trust improving from a Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating of 'Requires Improvement' to 'Good'. She led through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and was at the centre of the development of the Trust's partnership with the University of Winchester which now runs nursing programmes to train nurses for the future. Under Julie’s leadership, Hampshire Hospitals reached full recruitment for nurses and midwives which she achieved by championing innovative recruitment efforts, including a successful partnership between the Governments of Nepal and the UK.
Julie has mentored many nurse leaders, including eight who are now chief nurses in other NHS trusts. Her work has inspired the Florence Nightingale Foundation to launch a leadership programme in the South East, supporting 24 nurses each year.
She also served as Chief Nurse at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, supporting the transition of Clinical Commissioning Groups into Integrated Care Boards.
Outside the NHS, Julie is a trustee of Naomi House and Jacksplace Children’s Hospice.
Speaking about the honour, Julie said: “I am both surprised and over the moon to be awarded an MBE and I consider this a great honour. I’ve had the most rewarding career as a nurse and remain as passionate today as I was when I did my nurse training many years ago.
Julie added: “It’s a huge privilege to come into work every day and feel that your role is making a difference and I have had the opportunity to meet, and work alongside, some of the most amazing, talented, committed and overwhelmingly kind people who I would like to thank for the support they have given me.”
Celebrating Julie’s award, Alex Whitfield, Chief Executive of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “I am incredibly proud and grateful to have Julie as part of our team. She is a truly inspiring leader who always puts patients at the centre of decision-making, ensuring their voices are heard and that care is safe and provided with kindness and respect. A massive advocate for the nursing profession, Julie has helped shape the future of nursing through her support, guidance, and belief in others. Her impact will be felt for many years to come, both here and across the NHS. Huge congratulations Julie, from everyone at Hampshire Hospitals.”
