Last updated at 12:25, Tuesday, 08 January 2013

The University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Furness General Hospital, has appointed a new chairman.

John Cowdall, who is due to replace outgoing interim chairman, Sir David Henshaw, will take up the post on February 1.

Sir David, who was appointed in January 2012, said he was grateful for the support he had received during his time at the Trust:

He added: “I would like to thank, both personally and professionally, the huge number of people, including staff, patients, the public and colleagues from partner organisations for the support I have received.

“There was a huge challenge for the Trust in January last year to regain public confidence in its services and I have been impressed by the commitment of staff in rising to that challenge.

“There has been a huge amount of work completed to ensure the future sustainability of the Trust services and while there remains a great challenge, I am confident the Trust is now in safe hands.

“I am delighted to be handing over to such a high-calibre candidate for the post of chair. It was an arduous and rigorous process and I feel the right candidate has emerged.”

Gilbert Ozuzu, Lead Governor, said: “Along with the rest of the Council of Governors, I am delighted with the appointment, which now concludes the rigorous process of rebuilding our Trust Board. This also includes the recent appointment of our new Non-Executive Directors. 

“I would like to thank Sir David for his advice, help and support through a particularly difficult time in the Trust.”

Mr Cowdall was a Non-Executive Director and Deputy Chairman of Calderstones NHS Foundation Trust in Whalley, Clitheroe, for six years until his appointment came to an end at the end of November 2012.

Previously, he had been a Non-Executive Director of the former South Lancashire Health Authority and was the Chief Executive of West Lancashire Borough Council for seventeen years.

Sir David Henshaw will provide on-going support to Mr Cowdall as he takes up his role, but will return to his substantive role as Chair of Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.

First published at 12:03, Tuesday, 08 January 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk