AN accountant has been named as the new chair of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust – the troubled health authority that’s millions of pounds in debt.
Mrs Caragh Merrick takes over from Harry Turner, who left at the start of this year with the authority in special measures following an inspection by independent watchdog the Care Quality Commission.
Mrs Merrick, who has lived in Worcestershire for more than 30 years, will start at the Trust on September 12, 2016.
The trust’s interview panel felt that her strong leadership background and expertise would prove invaluable as it moves through its improvement journey.
Dale Bywater, NHS Improvement Executive regional managing director said: “The panel were impressed not only by Caragh’s experience but also by her commitment to improving services for local people. She will bring the stability and vision which will enable the organisation to continue its improvement journey.”
Mrs Merrick is a chartered accountant who has spent her career in Audit and Assurance, starting with Deloitte Haskins and Sells in 1997 as trainee before rising to senior audit partner and member of the UK Assurance Board of Pricewaterhouse Coopers between 1999 and 2002.
She then operated as an independent consultant until 2008.
Her current board roles include honorary treasurer and member of the council of University of Birmingham and trustee and chair of the finance committee of the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
Mrs Merrick has been appointed for four years and will receive a remuneration of £40,000 per annum. No political activity has been declared in the last five years
