Award winning CCG finance director joins acute trust

Annette Walker, of Bolton CCG, has been announced as the new finance director of Bolton Foundation Trust. She will take over from Simon Worthington, who is joining joining Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust.

The pair have both been praised for agreeing a significant block contract between the organisations in 2016-17, in a model which is now being replicated in other areas. There is more detail about the contract here.

Ms Walker was named finance director of the year in 2016 by the Healthcare Financial Management Association. Mr Worthington won the award the previous year.

In a message to trust staff today, chief executive Jackie Bene said: “Many of you will know that Annette is currently the director of finance for Bolton CCG and along with a wealth of experience brings a valuable insight and knowledge into the Bolton health economy, which will be an enormous asset to the trust and the wider locality.

“Annette was also the recipient of the HFMA director of finance of the year for 2016, with Simon holding this award for 2015; this keeps the profile of the trust high within the national NHS finance community.

“Further communication will be sent when a start date is confirmed.”

Bolton FT reported a £15m surplus in 2016-17, while the CCG met its breakeven requirement.