New Chair and New Name for NHS Stoke on Trent
[ 7 Oct 2008 ]
NHS Stoke on Trent today announced the appointment of Chris Dawes as its new Chairman. He will start in post on 1 October 2008.
Chris Dawes worked at Michelin for nearly 30 years, where he held senior roles in the UK and France. In Stoke he has been Managing Director of Michelin UK and, prior to his retirement in 2007, he was Managing Director of Michelin Lifestyle Ltd, developing a new worldwide business venture for the Michelin International Group.
Chris Dawes said: "I am delighted to take up the Chair of NHS Stoke on Trent. I have worked in Stoke on Trent and I feel I know the city well. It has its issues - not least in health - but I know I am joining an organisation that is improving the health of the city and tackling health inequalities."
Graham Urwin, Chief Executive of NHS Stoke on Trent said: "I am very pleased that Chris has been appointed as Chair of NHS Stoke on Trent. His experience in leading and driving forward change within a major company will be invaluable to us. He shares our determination to tackle the health inequalities in Stoke on Trent so that we can close the health gap between our city and the rest of the country."
The appointment of Chris Dawes takes effect from 1 October 2008 for a four year period and has been made in accordance with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. All Chair appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However in accordance with the Nolan recommendations, any declared political activity by appointees should be made public. Chris Dawes has not been engaged in political activity in the last five years and he has not held any other ministerial appointments. The remuneration will be £36,235 per annum.
Graham Urwin also announced that - from 30th September - Stoke on Trent Primary Care Trust becomes NHS Stoke on Trent. Explaining the reasons for the name change he said:
"The public know what the NHS is and for the people of Stoke on Trent we are their local NHS. Our new name means that local people can identify more easily with who is responsible for meeting their health needs. And for us, our new name better reflects our role which has evolved into being more than just about primary care.
"A new name does not change who we are or what we do and we will continue to build on the progress we are making to improve health and tackle health inequalities in Stoke on Trent."
ENDS
For further information, please contact Andrea Harper, Interim Communications Manager, on 07515 192056/01782 298150 or Neil Skitt, Head of Communications, on 07850 923090.
