BARNSLEY Hospital chairman Steve Wragg is stepping down after decade at the helm.
Steve, who was appointed in January 2009, has completed the recommended maximum ten years’ service.
He has seen the hospital through many challenges and celebrations and was instrumental in fundraising for the new neonatal unit which opened last month.
He also launched the annual Heart Awards and the hospital’s monthly Brilliant Awards, both of which recognise the hard work of staff.
Steve said: “I’ve been very proud and privileged to be chairman of this fantastic organisation. I have worked with four chief executives and thousands of dedicated professionals, all with one goal in mind - to give the best care possible to the people of Barnsley.
“During my time here we have had lots of things to celebrate. We went eight years without an MRSA bacteraemia, and we were awarded the cleanest hospital of the year. We then had the challenge of quickly pulling together a plan to sustain the financial future of the trust. We delivered that plan, and we are now one of the leading performers in the country on almost every level.
“The CQC rated us as ‘good’ and our staff continue to win external awards. People in the NHS speak about the Barnsley way of doing things, so we get recognition from our peers nationally.”
Dr Richard Jenkins, the hospital’s chief executive, said Steve has been an exceptional chairman and has made a huge impact on many people. He thanked him for his commitment and wished him well in the future.
The Council of Governors has confirmed the appointment of Trevor Lake as the new chairman of the hospital’s board of directors. He will formally take up the role on January 1.
Trevor has most recently been chairman of Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust, and before that was vice chairman and non-executive director of The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust. He was also previously a non-executive director with Calderdale NHS PCT, a predecessor organisation to the current clinical commissioning groups.
Trevor said: “It is an honour and privilege to become chairman. There is an excellent team in place, focused on delivering high quality services and embracing innovation to enable Barnsley to move forward and continue to be well respected locally, regionally and nationally while offering the best possible healthcare service to the population that it serves.”
