A new Chair has been appointed to Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Stepping Hill Hospital as well as community health services across Stockport.
Tony Warne brings an extensive range of experience from his 20 years in clinical, nursing and management practice to his new position.
Tony began his career as student nurse in Wales before moving into mental health management, which included establishing a ground-breaking young person’s forensic psychiatric facility in Prestwich, Greater Manchester.
Moving into academia, he gained a PhD and professorship in mental health care, and was the first Executive Dean appointment at the University of Salford, leading the largest nursing and allied health care professions school in the North West.
He was the elected Nurse Executive on the Council of Deans and a member of the NMC Thought Leadership Group which developed the current ‘Future Nurse’ education and training standards.
Tony is a Professor Emeritus at the University of Salford. During his academic career he has published a large number of research reports and peer-reviewed journals, and has presented peer-reviewed conference in 25 different countries. He has co-edited and authored two books, and has had chapters published in another 18 books.
He was also previously a Non Executive Director (NED) for both Blackpool Teaching Hospitals and Vice-Chair at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals.
In his new role, he will oversee a £360 million annual budget and the treatment and care of 580,000 patients a year from across Stockport and the High Peak.
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust has over 5,000 staff and is the second largest employer in Stockport. The appointment was made by the Trust’s Council of Governors, which represents people across the community, after a competitive interview process.
Tony Warne said “I am proud and delighted to take up the role of Chair of Stockport NHS Foundation Trust. The NHS is going through huge pressures at the moment with the impact of COVID-19, but I believe our workforce and volunteers are rising magnificently to this challenge excellently. I look forward to supporting them in this challenge and helping them to provide the best quality healthcare we can for the people of Stockport and the High Peak.”
Tony lives on the Fylde Coast with his wife, 22 chickens, two goats, three cats, a dog and Billy the parrot.
Tony Warne takes up the post of Chair at the trust on 1st May. He will be taking over from the previous Chair, Adrian Belton, who has stepped down after being in the role for four years.