Nursing and Midwifery Office
Who we are
The Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer (CNMO), Adjunct Professor Debra Thoms is the professional link between the NSW Minister for Health, the Director-General of the Ministry of Health and the public, private and education sectors of the nursing and midwifery professions in NSW.
The CNMO is supported by staff in the Nursing and Midwifery Office (NaMO), which includes nurses and midwives seconded from the health system.
What we do
Together, the CNMO and staff provide advice on professional nursing and midwifery issues and on policy issues, monitor policy implementation, manage State-wide nursing and midwifery initiatives, represent the NSW Ministry of Health on various committees and allocate funding for nursing and midwifery initiatives.
See the latest Nursing and Midwifery Office Newsletter in our news library.
How we perform our duties
We are involved in a range of activities and disseminate information using a variety of communication methods. We hold regular meetings with key nursing and midwifery organisations and groups. We visit health services across NSW as well as speaking at and attending conferences and seminars.
About the CNMO
Adjunct Professor Debra Thoms was appointed to the position of Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, NSW in May 2006. Her previous position was Chief Nursing Officer, Department of Health, South Australia.
Debra's clinical experience has been in cardiothoracic, remote area nursing and midwifery. She has extensive experience as a manager in both acute and community settings in urban and rural areas. Her interests are in organisational change, culture, clinical redesign, leadership and strategic workforce development and management.
About NaMO staff
Most NaMO staff, except administrative staff, are nurses or midwives seconded from the public health system. This is a deliberate strategy that facilitates:
- benefits to the Ministry and the opportunity for nurses and midwives to bring their ideas, expertise and networking skills to the NaMO.
- the experience of how the Ministry and the Minister's office function for nurses and midwives from the health system while they participate in policy development at a State and strategic level.
