The Gibraltar Health Authority Director of Nursing and Ambulance Services, Sandie Gracia, has been formally seconded to the Ministry for Health from November 2025 for a period of six months.

Ms Gracia will support the Ministry for Health in the delivery of key strategic and transformational reforms within the GHA. Her clinical expertise and professional insight will contribute to strengthening nursing leadership, workforce planning and hospital management systems during this period. During the secondment, the Director of Nursing role will be covered on an acting basis, with an internal expression of interest issued within the GHA.

Ms Gracia began her nursing career at the former St Bernard’s Hospital on 4 January 1987, progressing from student nurse to registered nurse specialising in surgical care. She has held senior clinical and managerial roles including Ward Sister, Clinical Manager and Director of Nursing, Gibraltar Ambulance Services and School of Health Studies, and has previously deputised for the Director General. She was also the operational project lead for the Day Surgery Unit and Minor Injuries Unit.

She was awarded an MBE for services to nursing and healthcare in Gibraltar and has been made an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Nursing.

As professional lead for nurses, midwives and paramedics in Gibraltar, Ms Gracia has advised Ministers and the GHA Board on clinical and workforce matters and has been a strong advocate for advancing nursing practice, professional development and education.

Her career achievements include a leading role in developing nursing and ambulance services, promoting evidence-based practice and expanding advanced nurse practitioner roles, enabling nurses to deliver autonomous specialist care.