Joint chair appointed across acute and mental health trusts

Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals Trust have appointed Joe Fielder as chair. He was also appointed chair of North East London Foundation Trust last year.

The mental health provider also runs community services across the patch served by the acute trust.

Mr Fielder is due to start his two year term in November, succeeding Maureen Dalziel. He has a background in telecommunications.

BHRUHT chief executive Matthew Hopkins said: “Joe is joining us at an exciting time, as we continue to make strong progress, leaving special measures earlier this year, and more recently returning to successfully hitting national targets in referral to treatment times, and in cancer performance. He is a fantastic person to continue leading our board on the next stage of our improvement journey.”

Mr Fielder said: “What’s particularly exciting is the opportunity presented by chairing two fantastic, but separate and distinct, organisations; to have a unique and broad perspective across the length and breadth of local NHS services, which can help create improved collaborations for the best outcomes.

“I am passionate about holistic care. For me, that means looking at patients as whole individuals, caring for the whole of their needs, for the whole of their lives.”

NEL chief executive John Brouder said: “This is a positive step to increase the collaboration and partnership working between our respective trusts and this will benefit our patients and local community.”