Poulain worked as a midwife and a practice nurse after beginning her training at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London, in 1983.  She subsequently moved into management roles, and has been chief primary care officer in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes since 2021, having previously held a similar post at Luton Clinical Commissioning Group from 2014.  She also currently serves as the board's place director for Luton.

Poulain said: ‘When I joined the NHS over four decades ago, I couldn't have imagined what a varied career I'd have. My passion for primary care started during my nurse training days and it's somewhere the NHS makes a such a positive impact. There's barely a day that I've not learnt something new in every role I've had.

‘I have worked with amazing people and been part of great teams and most of all, it's been a privilege to work with patients and residents. I look forward to continuing to do so, right the way through to next April.'

Felicity Cox, chief executive officer at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes ICB, added: ‘After 42 years' service in such a wide variety of clinical and managerial positions, I think Nicky has probably just about earned her retirement.'