THE CHAIRMAN of Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust has had his tenure extended by a further two years.
Chris Burdon has been in the role since the trust was formed back in 2011, during which time it has received a number of national accolades and a ‘Good’ rating from the CQC – the independent regulator which monitors the performance of health and care providers.
His term was due to end in June but for continuity at Board level NHS Improvement, which is responsible for appointing chairs and non-executive directors to NHS trust boards, has re-appointed him until the summer of 2019.
They said: “We are delighted that Mr Burdon has agreed to continue as chair of Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust and that he will continue to provide strong and stable leadership.”
During the trust’s CQC inspection in 2016, inspectors praised the visibility of the board and described the organisation as “well led” with a positive culture of openness and transparency.
Chris, who lives near Bewdley, said he was planning to use his extended tenure to build on that success.
“This is an interesting and exciting time for the Trust as we work with our health and social care partners to develop new and existing services which meet the demands of our patients and wider communities within tight financial parameters,” he added.
“The Trust has just been named a Global Digital Exemplar for Mental Health services which will help us transform local services, and we are aiming to be recognised as an ‘Outstanding’ organisation when the CQC re-visit us.
“Alongside skilled and motivated staff, stability at Board level is an important factor in delivering consistent high standards of care across all services.”
Prior to joining the NHS, Chris held a series of senior executive positions in the metal processing sector.
His last post was with Bradken, an Australian PLC, where he had responsibility for worldwide activity in the power generation and cement production markets and the management of three sites in the UK.
In addition, another of the trust’s board members, Steve Peak, has had his role as non-executive director extended.
Steve, from Worcester, has been a board member since 2013 and has had his tenure extended by four years.
Over the past 25 years he has held senior leadership roles in acute hospitals, including a period of time as CEO of Birmingham Women’s NHS Foundation Trust.
