A new director of the Alder Hey Academy, which provides education and training across primary, secondary, and tertiary care, has been appointed by Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust. Dr Katherine Birch PhD has joined from the University of Wolverhampton, where she held the position of Director for Health.
Speaking about the news, Katherine said: “‘I am delighted to be joining Alder Hey at such a significant time and have been hugely impressed by the vision for the Academy. I will be looking to develop partnerships at all levels and am committed to making sure that staff feel supported to fulfil their professional ambitions and that our students achieve the best possible outcomes.”
Currently Dr Katherine Birch PhD holds the position of Lead Governor at Mid Cheshire NHS Foundation Trust and is an Associate of the Keele Leadership Academy.
She has also previously worked in the Merseyside region at Liverpool Women’s Hospital.
Louise Shepard, CBE, CEO of Alder Hey Trust, said: “It is with great pleasure that I get to introduce Katherine Birch, our new Director of the Alder Hey Academy, to colleagues, partners and friends. She joins us at an exciting and demanding time for Alder Hey, as we continue to navigate our way through the myriad challenges posed both by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the shift towards something like ‘normal’ operating circumstances.
“Katherine is taking on leadership of the Alder Hey Academy and will be instrumental in ensuring it continues to grow and develop this world class facility for the highest quality education and innovation. The Academy will strengthen our presence in these fields, increasing opportunities for our staff as well as for external parties to benefit from Alder Hey’s world leading knowledge, experience and practice.”