PCT bids farewell to former directors

Carol Pollard, Dr Nick Dawes & Margaret Walker

After a combined service of 74 years working in the NHS former Directors of the predecessor Primary Care Trust’s (PCT)  Heywood amp; Middleton PCT (HMPCT) and Rochdale PCT (RPCT), Carol Pollard and Margaret Walker retired from the NHS on 30 June 2007.

Both Margaret and Carol were instrumental in improving and developing healthcare locally as well as contributing to help Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale PCT achieve status as a Three Star Trust.

Under their guidance both predecessor PCTs won prestigious awards inspiring national and international recognition.

With a wealth of knowledge and experience that spans over three decades they have witnessed the NHS evolve.
 
No stranger to the frontline Carol initially started in the NHS as a practice nurse, before turning her hand to midwifery and also health visiting. She developed into managerial positions next where she spent 16 years in Operational Management roles prior to her appointment as a Director of Clinical Services for HMPCT in 2002.

Margaret describes herself as a ‘career NHS senior manager with a particular interest in the challenge and diversity of primary care services’. Her first Director role was with an FHSA, moving to a health authority and then into a strategic planning and commissioning role. On inception of PCGs she was promoted to a Chief Executive post, leading the transition to the new Rochdale PCT. After performing the role of Acting Chief Executive in the new PCT, she was subsequently appointed in 2002 to Director of Modernisation.

Margaret Walker said: “I can look back on 36 years service in the NHS with pride. During that time I have had the privilege of working with people whose dedication and commitment to the development and improvement of healthcare in Rochdale is second to none. I wish all my friends and colleagues good luck for the future.”

So well known is Margaret’s passion for golf that her colleagues are certain she will waste no time hitting the golf course to improve her handicap.

Trevor Purt, Chief Executive of Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale PCT said: “I would like to thank Carol and Margaret for their loyal service to the NHS and in particular their commitment to shaping the PCT into a successful organisation. I wish them both all the best for the future.”

To celebrate their service the pair held an event at the Wine Press, Littleborough. Many of their colleagues who have worked along side them over the years were there to wish them well.

Dr Nick Dawes, Professional Executive Committee (PEC) Chairman of Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale PCT made a presentation on the night to mark the PCT’s appreciation for their service.

Dr Dawes said: “Both Carol and Margaret have played an integral role in developing and improving healthcare services for local people. Their dedication and hard work over the years is to be commended. On behalf of myself and my colleagues I wish them well.”