University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHSussex) has announced the appointment of three new Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) to the Trust Board.
Dame Denise Holt, Lucy Bloem and Claire Keatinge will bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to the organisation, as well as broad healthcare and wider experience from both the public and private sectors.
The trio are the first NEDs appointed since Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust merged to become one trust on 1 April, 2021.
UHSussex Chair Alan McCarthy said: “I am delighted to welcome Claire, Dame Denise and Lucy, three exceptional Non-Executive Directors, to the Board as we embark on our exciting journey as a new Trust.
“They bring a wide range of expertise and experience, absolutely share the values of the Trust and are all committed to improving the lives of people through excellent services at our hospitals.”
Dame Denise Holt is currently the Chair of the University of Sussex Council and has previously held diplomatic roles as First Secretary and Ambassador at British embassies in Ireland, Brazil, Mexico, Spain and Andorra.
From 2011 to 2021, Denise was NED and member of the Audit Committee for HSBC UK plc. Other previous roles include Chair of M&S Bank, a member of the NHS Pay Review Body, a member of the inaugural board of Ofqual, and Independent Chair of Nominations for the Alzheimer’s Society.
Denise, who lives in Findon, West Sussex, said: “Our hospitals and expert staff have never been more needed and valued. I’m delighted to join University Hospitals Sussex as it faces new challenges in the aftermath of Covid 19.
“Much of my work in recent years has focused on providing a seamless response to people’s needs, something I know is close to the heart of UHSussex. It will be a privilege to work with the Chair, CEO, colleagues and staff to maintain our Outstanding CQC rating.”
Lucy Bloem is currently a NED for South East Coast Ambulance Service where she is the Senior Independent Director and has chaired their Quality and Patient Safety Committee for almost 5 years. Her business career has been working across many countries in the oil and gas industry starting with Shell before moving into consulting where she is a partner in Deloitte’s Consulting practice and before that with Accenture.
Lucy, who lives in Surrey, has been a NED in the NHS for eight years and is a seasoned committee chair, having experience of CQC inspections as Chair of a Quality Committee.
She said: “I’m delighted to be joining UHSussex at such an exciting time for the Trust following its formal creation on April 1 this year. I am keen to use the experience I have gained as a non-executive director at South East Coast Ambulance Service to build on and further improve the outstanding care already provided to patients across Sussex.
“I am looking forward to working as part of the new team on the challenges and opportunities that the role brings.”
Claire Keatinge is currently a Non-Executive Director of the Northern Ireland Prison Service and chairs its Audit and Risk Committee; she is also a Consumer Advocate with the Consumer Council for Water. Claire has wide experience working with and for older people and is an experienced Board Member – most recently as Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland; Director Northern Ireland; Alzheimer’s Society; University of Leicester as an adviser on Active Ageing; Board Member of Dunhill Medical Trust; and leading community development and public health with Age NI.
Claire, who lives in Brighton, said: “I am delighted to be joining the Board of the newly formed University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. With incredible expertise, commitment, dedication and professionalism from staff, volunteers and Board, the Trust commitment is to put patients first.
“I bring many years’ experience working with and for older people – and a commitment to high quality treatment and respect for every patient. I share the Trust’s values and passion for putting patients first – and will be joining the Board to be part of delivering excellence in hospitals across Sussex.”
The role of a NED brings an independent perspective into the boardroom, to challenge the executive and to add specific knowledge, skill and experience to the Trust Board. The three new NEDs will begin their roles this summer.