Merger trust appoints new chief executive

Richard Kirby, chief executive of Walsall Healthcare Trust, has been appointed chief executive of Birmingham Community Healthcare Foundation Trust.

The news follows the announcement that Birmingham Community Healthcare FT is set to merge with the Black Country Partnership FT and Dudley and Walsall Mental Health Partnership Trust in December.

Mr Kirby will take up the role in early 2018 following the departure of Tracy Taylor, who is becoming chief executive of Nottingham University Hospitals Trust.

Mr Kirby has been chief executive of Walsall Healthcare for six years. The trust is currently awaiting the outcome of a recent Care Quality Commission inspection after being rated inadequate last year.

Last month, HSJ reported concerns from the CQC over the culture in the trust’s maternity department.

BCH chair Tom Storrow said: “We believe in Richard we have secured an excellent appointment, able to pick up the momentum of the organisation and take us forward into the future.

“Our imminent integration with our two partner trusts presents an opportunity to help shape an exciting future for a trust combining high quality community and mental health services.”

Mr Kirby said: “I have been privileged to work with some of the most committed and caring staff during my time in Walsall and I am proud of the considerable progress we have made in recent years.”