TWO new non-executive directors with Redditch connections are to join the board of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust WAHT).
Phil Mayhew lives in Redditch and has a background as a director in local government in Solihull, specialising in business transformation.
Chris Swan is a Midlands-based entrepreneur and former Financial Times Entrepreneur of the Year with a background in retail, distribution, house building, commercial property development, financial services and digital media.
Chris has strong community links in Redditch and is chairman and owner of Redditch United Football Club.
The appointments follow the recent announcement of Michelle McKay as permanent chief executive and sees Caragh Merrick, the chairman of WAHT continuing to move quickly to fulfill her pledge to strengthen the trust’s board with the appointment of two new non-executive directors both with strong links to the north of the county.
She said: “I am delighted to welcome Phil and Chris to the board.
“Their appointment strengthens our connection to the north of the county and is another step to a permanent leadership that patients and public have been demanding for so long. It will also help us drive forward the improvements we know we need to deliver.”
Phil Mayhew said: “I am passionate about the NHS and I am looking forward to bring my 30 years public sector experience to support the Trust as we look to improve and develop the services we offer to meet the needs of local people.”
Chris Swan said: “I have been involved in a number of public appointments, including setting up of the Learning and Skills Council for Hereford and Worcestershire.
“The council was instrumental in getting over 50 per cent of 16-19 yearolds to university as well as developing unique approaches to NEET’s and disadvantaged young people. This focus on engaging with local people is a passion I have brought to my role as chairman of Redditch Football Club and is something I want to bring to the trust.”
Redditch MP Karen Lumley said: “Caragh promised to move quickly to strengthen the board when she was appointed – and I have to say I am very impressed that she has chosen two people with strong business and community links to the north of the county.
“I have met Phil before and Chris I know very well as I am a strong supporter of all the great community work he has done at Redditch United in recent years – I think it is true to say that he has transformed the club.
“I know I can work positively with both Phil and Chris and this really is great news for North Worcestershire and for Redditch.”
Mr Mayhew and Mr Swan are to take up their posts from January 2017.
