'Outstanding' trust appoints new chief executive

Norfolk Community Health and Care Trust has appointed a director of operations and mental health nurse as its new chief executive.

Stephen Collman, executive director of operations for George Eliot Hospital Trust, has been appointed to lead the ‘outstanding’ NCHC Trust from early 2022.

Mr Collman has been director of operations of George Eliot since 2019, which joined a foundation trust group model with South Warwickshire Trust and Wye Valley Hospitals Trust in 2018. 

He is also a registered mental health nurse and previously worked as chief operating officer for Worcestershire Health and Care Trust. 

The trust’s current chief executive, Josie Spencer, has stepped down and deputy chief John Webster will be interim CEO until Mr Collman takes up his post.

NCHC is a standalone community trust and is currently rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission.

Geraldine Broderick, trust chair, said: “Mr Collman clearly demonstrated that he is fully aligned to the values of our trust and that he has the exemplary leadership skills required to ensure that NCHC continues to play a key role in delivering community health and care as part of the developing local Integrated Care System.” 

Mr Collman said of his appointment: ”Throughout the process I have been impressed by the values, vision and ambition of the trust, and our system partners. By holding to these values we can continue to improve the health and well-being of the people we serve”.