New Lincolnshire hospitals trust chair appointed

A new chairman has been appointed for United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust.

The NHS Trust Development Authority (NHS TDA) confirmed the appointment of Ron Buchanan as the new permanent Chairman on March 6.

Ron Buchanan had been acting as the temporary chairman for a number of months following the departure of the previous chair, Paul Richardson.

He worked previously for 30 years in a major UK financial organisation before becoming a non-executive director of Nottingham City Hospital in 2004.

In 2006, he became the Chair of Nottingham City Primary Care Trust, which became one of the top performing PCTs in the country.

He said: “I am excited to be joining the trust at this time. The challenges confronting it have been well documented and I look forward to addressing these alongside my colleagues throughout the organisation with energy, determination and imagination.

“To be successful it is imperative that we also act openly and collaboratively with our key partners to ensure that the people of Lincolnshire receive the quality of health services they deserve.”

Ron Buchanan has been appointed until 4 March 2016, and will receive £45,000 per year for his role.

In addition to the chair appointment, ULHT also announced new non-executive directors, Professor Steve Barnett and Kate Truscott.

Steve Barnett is a part time Senior Vice President (UK) for a US-based health technology company and the Non-Exec Chairman of SSG Health Partnership and Finegreen Associate, plus a Trustee and Director of the Institute of Employment Studies.

Meanwhile Kate Truscott worked as a Human Resources specialist throughout her career in the private and public sectors, working in the NHS for 23 years. She was an Executive Director of Human Resources for 18 years in NHS trusts and NHS foundation trusts.

Kate Truscott said: “I am delighted to be rejoining the trust where I began my health service career, although in a very different role.

“As a local resident, I want to support colleagues to further develop and deliver high quality clinical services to our local community.”