Hospital trust names new non-executive directors

Two new non-executive directors are to join the Board of The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the hospitals in Rochdale, Oldham, Bury and North Manchester.

The announcement has been welcomed by John Jesky, Trust chairman, who said that they would “substantially strengthen” the existing Board.

Haydn Griffith, formerly Programme Director for Co-operative Financial Services, and Michael Holly, of Rochdale, formerly a partner for KPMG, have both been appointed by the NHS Appointments Commission.

Mr Griffith spent 30 years with the Co-operative Insurance Society, working in a range of managerial roles, including HR, IT and other support functions. Living in Hawkshaw, Bury, he is married with one daughter.

Mr Holly spent more than 30 years working for auditors KPMG, which was previously Peat Marwick Mitchell amp; Co. He was a partner in the Manchester office from 1985 until he retired in 2005. Married with three grown up children and living in , Mr Holly is a councillor for Rochdale Borough Council, representing South Middleton.

John Jesky, chairman of Pennine Acute Trust, said: “The appointment of these two non-executive directors substantially strengthens the Board in key areas, particularly in relation to finance.

“I have no doubt that the combined skills and experience of these two non-executive directors will play a key part in assisting the organisation to develop the solid financial framework which must underpin the future development of our services.

The appointments take effect from 1 October, 2006, and last for four years.

The appointments have been made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments’ (OCPA) Code of Practice. All non-executive appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirements for appointees’ political activity (if any is declared) to be made public.

Mr Haydn Griffith – non-executive director
Remuneration: £5,730 per annum
Declared political activity in the last five years: None declared
Other ministerial appointments held: None.

Mr Michael Holly – non-executive director
Remuneration: £5,730 per annum
Declared political activity in the last five years: Councillor of South Middleton Ward of Rochdale MBC from 4 May 2006.
Other ministerial appointments held: None.

The two new appointments relate to one existing vacancy and a second post vacated by the resignation of Carol Brooks, who has stood down because of the success of her public sector consultancy business.

Carol said: “My consultancy practice in Manchester has been growing rapidly. As such, I felt that I was unable to give the trust the time and input required. I have had a fantastic four years at Pennine, have learned a lot and worked with some great people. I am sure that the Trust will go on to develop the best possible services for the populations it serves.”

John Jesky added: “Carol was one of the original non-executive directors of the Trust, and has devoted substantial time and effort to her role. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank her for that – she will be missed.”

The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust was established in April 2002 and runs hospitals in Bury, North Manchester, Oldham and Rochdale. Serving a population of approximately 800,000, the Trust is one of the largest in the country. It employs a staff of 10,000 across five hospital sites: Rochdale Infirmary and Birch Hill Hospital, Rochdale, Fairfield General Hospital, Bury, North Manchester General Hospital and The Royal Oldham Hospital.