A new Joint Chair has been appointed to Stockport NHS Foundation Trust (SFT) and Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (TGICFT). The trusts run the respective hospitals of Stepping Hill Hospital and Tameside Hospital alongside community health services in Stockport, Tameside and Glossop.

David Wakefield has held previous Chair roles at NHS Trusts, including his most recent as Chair of the University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust. He is a qualified accountant and has held several senior executive posts, including Commercial Finance Director for Royal Mail. He has also held a number of non-executive directorships.

This is the first time the trusts have shared a Joint Chair role, which brings the role in line with other senior leadership positions at the two organisations.

The appointment of David as Joint Chair is a key next step in strengthening collaboration in line with national NHS policy. While the trusts will remain as separate organisations, the role will seek to maximise the potential for joint working for the benefit of the local population, patients and staff.

Stockport NHS Foundation Trust has around 6,000 staff and is the second largest employer in Stockport. It has a current annual budget of around £490m.

Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust has approximately 4,400 staff. It has a current annual budget of around £315m.

The appointment was made by the Council of Governors at each trust, which represent public, staff and partners across the communities, after a competitive interview process. 

David said “I feel very proud and privileged to take up this position as chair representing two organisations which provide healthcare to many thousands of people across their respective areas, in both hospitals and in the community. I look forward to meeting my many new colleagues as we work together, striving to uphold the highest standards of care and treatment for all.”

Jane McCall, who has served TGICFT for the last seven years will be handing over to David who commences on 1^st April 2025.  Marisa Logan-Ward, who has served as Interim Chair at SFT for the last 12 months will return to her Non-Executive Director and Vice-Chair role at the start of his tenure.

The trusts would like to thank both Jane and Marisa for their leadership and commitment to their roles.