Stockport NHS appoints new non-executive director

A new non-executive director has been appointed to Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Stepping Hill Hospital and community health services in Stockport.

Catherine Barber-Brown brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the board of directors of the Trust from the financial services industry.

Since 2003 Catherine held senior roles at the Britannia Building Society and Co-operative Bank.  She was most recently Head of Strategy for the Co-operative Bank, whilst earlier roles spanned Change Management and Procurement. Prior to this Catherine worked for ten years at international organisations Barclays de Zoete Wedd and Credit Suisse.  Catherine left the Co-operative Bank earlier this year to set up her own consultancy. She is also a member of the University of Manchester Nominations Committee and General Assembly and a School Governor.

Stockport NHS Foundation Trust  sees over 750,000 patients a year, through its main hospital at Stepping Hill, specialist care units, 24 health centres and in people’s homes. It employs more than 5,000 staff and manages a £285 million annual budget.

Catherine Barber-Brown said, “I am delighted to have the opportunity to support Stockport NHS Foundation Trust as it navigates the complex challenges across the NHS and plays its part in Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Devolution.”

Trust Chairman Gillian Easson said, “NHS organisations, such as Stockport Foundation Trust, are facing major financial challenges and Catherine’s outstanding skills and experience will complement our board. There is large scale change ahead and we want to ensure our organisation remains in the strongest position and continues to provide the highest quality services. 

“We are delighted to welcome Catherine and she will be a real asset to our organisation.”

The appointment was approved by the Trust’s Council of Governors on 20^th July 2016, following panel interviews and focus groups involving governors, board members, clinical staff and managers. It is for a three-year term which commences on 1^st September 2016, Catherine Barber-Brown replaces John Schultz whose term of office ends on 31^st August 2016.

You can read more about the board of directors: here