Chief nurse receives Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of East London | Our news

Caroline Alexander, chief nursing officer at Barts Health, has received an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of East London (UEL).

During a 34-year career that has taken her to the highest levels of nursing, Caroline Alexander CBE has worked across hospital-based patient care, in commissioner roles, and as a nursing manager and leader. Now chief nurse for Barts Health, she has received an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of East London in recognition of her achievements. 

Caroline was honoured by the university at a ceremony for its School of Health, Sport and Bioscience on 13 September. In her acceptance speech, she advised students to be at the forefront of the rapid changes the NHS is currently going through so that they can design a world they want to be a part of.  

Caroline said: “It is a true honour to receive this award from The University of East London.

"I would also like to say how proud I am to see UEL nursing students graduate this month - a new and very innovative programme. I am so pleased our partnership with UEL has created a positive learning environment for so many of you to thrive despite the challenges of the pandemic." 

Caroline also spoke about how the challenges of the pandemic had brought to the fore how essential good planning, communications, visible leadership, trust and partnership working has been central to how Barts Health have responded to the pandemic.  

Caroline has been the chief nurse for Barts Health since 2016. In 2020 she was made a CBE in the Queen’s birthday honours in recognition of her services to nursing. 

She played a key role in helping the University of East London set up its department of nursing in January 2018. Over the past eighteen months, Caroline has continued to work alongside the University to make sure students on clinical placements, on the frontline of the pandemic, are safe and supported. This includes not just nursing students from UEL, but allied health and sports students as well.