Health Sciences Professor makes the inaugural Nursing Times Leaders top 50 list

This list recognises the top 50 individuals who have demonstrated strength across the five key areas of leadership outlined by the NHS Leadership Academy Healthcare Leadership Model: leadership, influence, impact, role model and legacy.

Over 200 individuals were put before the judging panel, comprising clinical and non-clinical nominations, from all areas of health care within the NHS or private sector, and community or acute setting. The final list spans those in leadership roles from the ward to the board.

Nominees were judged on their impact, influence across different areas of healthcare, how they improve practice and care, how good a role model they are and the significance of their achievements.

The judges included Chris Beasley, former chief nursing officer, Department of Health; Karen Charman, director of engagement, NHS Employers; Josie Irwin, head of employment relations, Royal College of Nursing; and Theresa Shaw, chief executive, Foundation of Nursing Studies, among others.

Southampton's Professor Griffiths led on the collection of patient outcome data for the RN4CAST study. A paper from that study published in the Lancet earlier this year showed that patients where nurses cared for fewer each patients, and where more nurses were qualified to degree level, had substantially lower death rates.

This paper has become one of the most widely mentioned scientific papers of all time paper in news and social media.

On receiving the news Professor Griffiths said: "It is such an honour to be recognised in this way.  I think that this is a real endorsement of the importance of our research exploring the impact of the nursing workforce on patient outcomes that I have been undertaking, along with other colleagues, at the University of Southampton and beyond.

"I hope I continue to live up to the expectations set by this list and perhaps influence and inspire future nominees. It is fantastic to be part of a leading university faculty which enables me to continue to explore and push the boundaries of research in healthcare."

Around 120 nursing leaders and guests attended a private reception to network and celebrate their success on Monday 10th June at the Haymarket Hotel in London.

Announcing the names which made the list, editor of the Nursing Times, Jenni Middleton, said: "The work of these nurse leaders has shaped practice, the profession and most importantly of all, patient care. They have left a legacy that they can be proud of and we are delighted to honour them in this inaugural Nursing Times Leaders list."

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