Sir David Nicholson appointed as Trust Chairman

3rd Mar 2021

Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust is pleased to announce that NHS England/Improvement has confirmed the appointment of Sir David Nicholson KCB CBE as Trust Chairman from 1 May 2021.

Richard Samuda is retiring having completed three terms as Trust Chairman, over the past nine years.

Sir David will retain his role as Chairman of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust which he has held for the past two years. His career in NHS management has spanned more than 30 years and has included the most senior posts in the service.

He was Chief Executive of the NHS for seven years from 2006-2013 and then, following a major national restructure, became the first Chief Executive of the organisation now known as NHS England from 2013-2014. Since his retirement from the NHS in 2014, he has taken on a number of international roles providing advice and guidance to governments and organisations focused on improving population health and universal healthcare coverage.

Sir David said: “I am very excited to be part of an organisation dedicated to improving health and tackling health inequalities and at the same time opening a fantastic hospital that will not only provide excellent healthcare facilities but will help regenerate the wider area.”

Richard Samuda said: “It has been a real privilege to serve the population and the staff as Chairman. I have welcomed the contribution from so many Trust leaders, Non-Executive and Executive colleagues as we have jointly led the Trust through some significant achievements. I wish the Trust every success in the years ahead and am delighted that Sir David is taking the helm. His experience, knowledge and passion for the NHS and the people it serves will be a real asset to the Trust in moving forwards through recovery and restoration and the opportunities that the new hospital will bring.”

During his tenure, the Trust has secured the approval for the new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital including partnering with Balfour Beatty as a replacement contractor and progressing construction despite the coronavirus pandemic. The new hospital will provide a legacy of improved healthcare provision for the population for decades to come as well as regeneration opportunities for the wider area.

He is looking forward to a well-earned break and maintaining his links within the local area.

Richard Beeken, Interim Chief Executive said: “Richard Samuda has completed nine years of incredible public service as Chairman and helped the Trust make significant strides forward, for which we are very grateful. Sir David brings wisdom and considerable experience to the Trust and I have every confidence he will use this to best lead the Board for the benefit of the people we serve. I am looking forward to welcoming him to the organisation.”

ENDS

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