Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (GHFT) has appointed a new Chair.
Deborah Evans has been chosen for the role and will replace Peter Lachecki who retires, after six years of service, in April.
Having 25 years involvement in board-level health and social care, Deborah has served as the Chief Executive of NHS Bristol; Chief Executive of Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire PCT cluster; and the lateral Managing Director of West of England Academic Health Science Network.
Prior to her appointment, Deborah has been working as the Chair and Trustee of Brunelcare – a housing and social care charity providing nursing homes, supported living and home care.
On taking up the new role, Deborah commented: “It is an absolute privilege and very humbling to be appointed to this role. There is huge potential and ambition to further improve patient care in Gloucestershire, and the Trust is well placed to make a positive impact on local communities.
“While the challenges ahead are enormous and may feel relentless, particularly as we come through a pandemic that has impacted all of us in such different ways, I am heartened by the possibilities and opportunities ahead.
“I hope that collectively we can all take encouragement from these in our day-to-day work and in the way we will continue to provide care and services to our patients.”
Alan Thomas, the Lead Governor, added: “Following a comprehensive selection process, governors were convinced that Deborah will bring the right blend of experience and challenge to this important role within the Gloucestershire Health and Care System. We are confident that Deborah is the right person to lead us through what are testing times for the NHS, and we look forward to working with her to impact positively on the health and welfare of the people of Gloucestershire. Welcome to our Trust.”
