Trust announces departure of Chairman

Date: 21 February 2020

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The Chair of Medway NHS Foundation Trust, Stephen Clark, whose term of office comes to an end in March 2020, has been thanked for all he has done for the hospital.

Stephen joined the Trust in 2016, becoming Chair in April 2017, since when Medway has seen a number of improvements, and embarked on a major transformation programme. During this period the Trust has also reduced its financial deficit, delivering £21million of efficiency savings last year, and helping put the hospital on a more sustainable footing.

Thanking Stephen Clark for his contribution, Chief Executive James Devine said: “Stephen has shown great commitment to improving the quality of care for our patients, and during his tenure has overseen a number of notable achievements. On behalf of the Trust I would like to thank Stephen for all he has done for Medway, and to wish him well for the future.”

During Stephen’s tenure the Trust has begun a programme of transformation and innovation, to ensure services not only enhance patient experience, but are sustainable for the future. He has been passionate about developing relationships with the local community so that patients and public can have a voice in developing services for the future.

The Trust will now begin the process of recruiting a new chair. Deputy Chair Jo Palmer will fulfil the role from 1 April until a new chair is in place.

The Trust launched its Quality Strategy last year, and has made High Quality Care one of its strategic objectives. Medway’s vision for transformation also aims to ensure services are sustainable for the future, including a greater focus on collaboration.

Stephen said: “Medway has come a long way over the past three years, and while we know there is still a lot more to do, it has been a privilege to work with the Trust’s Board and staff to begin to transform the hospital so that the community of Medway and Swale get the high quality care they need and deserve.”

  • Summary:

    The Chair of Medway NHS Foundation Trust, Stephen Clark, whose term of office comes to an end in March 2020, has been thanked for all he has done for the hospital.