New Chairman Appointed at NGH

   NHS Improvement has confirmed the appointment of Alan Burns as chairman of Northampton General Hospital 

Mr Burns, who is also chairman of Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, has many years’ experience as a strategic health authority chief executive and was previously chairman of Hinchingbrooke Hospital and Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow.  He has also been involved in national work on public sector reform and research and development, and was vice chairman of the NHS Confederation.

Mr Burns said:  ‘I am delighted to be given this opportunity of maximising the chances of success in both our hospitals and am looking forward to meeting the team at NGH and learning more about their services and areas of expertise.   By working together we can make a greater contribution towards the health and care partnership and our shared work on health and wellbeing in the county. This is not about merger or acquisition but about creating high quality services where staff are proud to work and where patients can expect the highest of standards.  I hope I will be able to offer something to help lead both trusts towards becoming outstanding in an excellent system.’ 

The people in Northamptonshire deserve to receive health services of a high standard, and my aim is to ensure staff feel suitably supported and valued, and for our patients to continue to receive the very best care possible.’

Mr Burns has been appointed for two year period from 20 December 2018.   He will replace Paul Farenden, who steps down from his current role as trust chairman on 18 December.   Paul’s term of office was due to finish in March this year, but was extended until a new chairman could be appointed.

Paul said: ‘The past six years have been challenging, but at the same time they have been incredibly rewarding for me.  As I leave NGH I know the people here are in a strong position, and there’s a different feel to the place.  Things are moving in the right direction and Alan joins NGH at an exciting time.  I wish him all the best in his new role, and thank every single member of TeamNGH for their continued efforts to provide the best possible care to our patients.’

Dr Sonia Swart, chief executive of NGH, said ‘I and my board colleagues are looking forward to working with Alan in the future.  We are indebted to Paul Farenden for his outstanding contribution to supporting the improvement of the quality of our services alongside a compassionate leadership culture.  During Paul’s tenure NGH has become a safer, more quality-driven and efficient organisation with a more collaborative culture as recognised by the Care Quality Commission and others.’

‘I am sure that Alan will bring valuable insight  and experience to his role as chairman of NGH and I and my fellow executive team members and the non-executives look forward to working with him.’

As the new chairman of Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust, Mr Burns is entitled to receive a remuneration of £35,000 per annum.  He has declared no political activity within the last five years