University Hospitals of North Midlands announces chairman to step down

The University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) has announced that David Wakefield is to step down at the end of June due to coming to the end of his two terms with the trust.

Mr Wakefield has been chairman at UHNM since 2018 and will take up a new role as joint Chairman of Stockport NHS Foundation Trust and Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Dr Simon Constable, UHNM Chief Executive Officer, said: “It is with regret that today I find myself announcing that our chairman, David Wakefield, will be stepping down from his role as chairman of UHNM in June. 

"NHS non-executive directors and chairs are only able to serve a maximum of two terms at one NHS organisation and this now means that David is required to leave us. 

"Over the seven years he has been Chairman he has played an invaluable role in our organisation, providing dedicated leadership, guidance, and support throughout his tenure.

“Under David’s leadership we have navigated many storms, especially the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as celebrated many achievements, winning national and international awards, not to mention seeing County Hospital move from being rated overall as Requires Improvement to Good by our regulators, the Care Quality Commission. 

"Throughout the many investments, service improvements, successful initiatives and organisational growth, David has always maintained a clear focus on UHNM delivering the best care for our patients and supporting our staff.

“On behalf of the Trust I would like to express our sincere gratitude for his hard work and commitment to UHNM and the wider NHS. 

"We wish David all the best in his future endeavours and we are extremely pleased that his valuable skills will remain in the NHS as he takes up the post of joint Chairman of Stockport NHS Foundation Trust and Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust.”