Specialist nurse elected as UNISON president

UNISON’s National Executive Council (NEC) has elected James Anthony, a cardiac nurse from Birmingham, as president at its annual conference, says the union today (Monday).

James, a nurse of 20 years, now leads and supports congenital heart disease nursing services across the West Midlands, helping to ensure patients get consistent, quality care.

His first nursing role was on a cardiology ward at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, where he cared for people with congenital heart disease.

James, a keen rugby player, has served as senior vice president and succeeds outgoing UNISON president Catherine McKenna.

He will be supported by senior vice president Debbie Rowden (a local government project manager from Norfolk) and junior vice president Micaela Tracey-Ramos (a local government project manager from Liverpool).

James Anthony said: “It’s a privilege to become president. I am excited to take on this role at such an important time for nursing, healthcare and public services more widely.

"This is an opportunity to build on the union’s strengths, meet the challenges ahead and ensure workers’ voices continue to be heard, while helping to secure the best possible outcomes for patients, families and communities."

Notes to editors:
– The presidential team is elected every year at UNISON’s national conference. More than 1,300 delegates gathered in Brighton last week for the four-day event, which finished last Friday.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors. 

Media contacts:
Fatima Ayad M: 07508 080383 E: [email protected]
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: [email protected]