Wendy Swift appointed Interim Chief Executive of Trust

Wendy Swift

Wendy Swift

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has announced that Wendy Swift will take over as Interim Chief Executive when Gary Doherty leaves the organisation.

Gary will leave the Trust on February 12, 2016 and start his new role as Chief Executive at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board on February 29, 2016.

Wendy is currently the Trust’s Deputy Chief Executive and has 19 years’ experience at a senior level on the Fylde Coast, which has included the roles of Deputy Chief Executive of the former Blackpool Wyre & Fylde Community Trust and the Chief Executive of the former Blackpool Primary Care Trust.

She has worked in the NHS for more than 35 years in Lancashire.

Tim Bennett, Director of Finance & Performance, will be appointed as Deputy Chief Executive and will provide valuable support to Wendy and the Executive Team. Tim joined the Trust in November 2013 and was previously the Deputy Chief Executive at the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay.

Trust Chairman, Ian Johnson, said: “We are delighted to be able to have someone with the experience and knowledge of the local health economy like Wendy to take over.

“Wendy is a highly respected person in the community and in the Trust and she will ensure there is continuity at a vital time for the organisation as it looks to launch its new strategic five-year plan later this year.’’

He added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Gary for his contribution to the Trust during the last three years.

“We are fortunate to have an extremely experienced Board of Directors and managers and we will continue to provide the best possible care for our patients and maintain our commitment to our current plans.

“The Board believes that we have a high quality executive and senior management team which is focused on delivering the Trust’s strategy and we will be fully supporting the interim leadership team during the forthcoming financial year.’’

Wendy said: “I feel very privileged to have been asked to lead the Trust.

“It is an extremely challenging time but also an exciting one as we look to work ever more closely with our staff, our partners and the public to provide the best care possible for patients.’’

Gary Doherty

Gary Doherty

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