A nursing innovator and leader has received an honorary Doctor of Health Sciences from Anglia Ruskin in a graduation ceremony today.

Jenny Hunt received the honour from Anglia Ruskin’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Michael Thorne, during a graduation ceremony at the Chelmsford campus today.

A former Director of the Nursing Research Initiative for Scotland, Jenny is visiting Professor of Nursing within Anglia Ruskin’s Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education.

Her career has been characterised by a strong commitment to ongoing professional development and education.

In 1987, she was appointed Nursing Officer at the Department of Health, charged with providing advice to Ministers and senior civil servants.

Jenny has served as the nurse member on a number of key national committees and organisations such as the Audit Commission and Commission of Human Medicines, as well as numerous national and international nursing committees and groups.

Professor Thorne said: “Jenny’s career to date has been hugely impressive.

"She developed and ran the first in-depth quality assurance programme for NHS staff.

"She established the Nursing Practice Committee, which developed research-based policies and procedures.

"And crucially, she established a nursing voice on key national health committees. Jenny has also won numerous grants for research projects into quality assurance and standards of care.

“This Honorary Award is a fitting opportunity to recognise her achievements and her ongoing efforts to develop and promote nursing best-practice.”