News stories

University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) is proud to celebrate the appointment of Dr Jane Fletcher as the next president elect of the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (BAPEN).

Currently serving as BAPEN’s professional affairs officer, Jane will formally take on the president elect role following the organisation’s annual conference in November.

She will become the first female and first nurse to hold this position in BAPEN’s history, working alongside current president Dr Nick Thompson for one year, before beginning her three-year term in November 2026.

Jane, Consultant Nurse for Nutrition and Intestinal Failure at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB), said: “It’s an incredible honour to be chosen as BAPEN’s next president elect. I’m deeply grateful for the trust placed in me and proud to be the first woman and first nurse to hold this position.

“At its heart BAPEN is a multi-disciplinary organisation. I hope that my appointment will encourage other nurses and allied health professionals to apply for similar senior roles. It’s such a great opportunity to get involved and influence care on a national level.”

Jane’s career has been rooted in advancing nutritional care. She began her professional journey with the National Nurses Nutrition Group (NNNG) Committee, co-authoring the competency framework for nutrition nurse specialists. Her involvement with BAPEN spans several years.

Joanne Basketfield, Director of Nursing at QEHB, said: “Jane’s appointment is a moment of immense pride for our hospital, our Trust, and for nursing leadership across the NHS.

“Jane exemplifies the very best of our profession, her clinical expertise, dedication to improving nutritional care, and her collaborative spirit have made a lasting impact on patients and colleagues.

“As the first nurse and first woman to hold this role, she is breaking new ground and inspiring others to follow. To see her leadership recognised nationally is wonderful.”