By Eric White
THE CHIEF Executive of Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals (BTUH) NHS Foundation Trust is set to also be the chief exec of the trust at Mid Essex Hospital Services, in a joint role.
Clare Panniker is welcomed by Professor Sheila Salmon, Chair of Mid Essec Hospital NHS Trust (MEHT).
Clare will continue in her role at BTUH, along with her role as chief executive for the overarching committee which is leading the collaboration of three local hospitals under the Mid & South Essex Success Regime.
Clare is highly respected and was recently named among the top ten most influential chief executives in the NHS by Health Service Journal.
Her leadership has been fundamental to the transformation of BTUH which was one of the first trusts to be placed in special measures by the Health Secretary but is now rated ‘good’ by the Care Quality Commission.
Clare and her team steered the Trust out of special measures in less than a year.
For the past two years Clare has been working closely with MEHT to identify ways to improve collaboration between BTUH, Southend Hospital and MEHT. Clare will be at MEHT for an initial 12 month period and will split her time equally across the trusts’ sites.
Clare said: "I am delighted to be given this opportunity to lead MEHT.
"This is an opportunity to develop a clear vision and direction for acute healthcare services across both Trusts, identifying opportunities for collaboration where appropriate with the aim of improving the care we deliver for our patients."
Acting Chief Executive, Cathy Geddes, will return to her substantive role of Chief Nurse on 1 May.
Professor Salmon said: "I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to Cathy for leading the Trust so ably for the past 8 months and we very much look forward to working with Clare as she joins Mid Essex as Chief Executive."
Both MEHT and BTUH have created new managing director posts to support the day-to-day running of the Trusts.
