Trust appoints primary care leader as chair

A mental health trust has named a primary care leader as its new chair after the previous appointee decided against taking up the role. 

Eamonn Kelly, who is a non-executive director at the Coventry and Rugby GP Alliance, will take up the role at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust in March.

Sue Whelan Tracy, who is a governing member of the Nursing and Midwifery Council, was originally due to replace long-term chair Jagtar Singh in September, but she pulled out in the same month for “personal reasons”, leaving the post unfilled.

Mr Kelly has previously led two clusters of primary care trusts – West Mercia, as well as Redditch and Bromsgrove and Wyre Forest – and was also director of commissioning at West Midlands Strategic Health Authority, across his 36-year NHS career. 

His predecessor Mr Singh was CWPT chair for 10 years before his term came to an end in September, after which non-executive director Dianne Whitfield stepped in as acting chair. 

Mr Singh has been recognised for his work on equalities and inclusion in the NHS, and previously worked as a non-executive director at the East of England Ambulance Service and at the then Luton and Dunstable Hospital Foundation Trust. 

Commenting on the appointment, CWPT chief executive Mel Coombes said Mr Kelly has “[a] wealth of experience, expertise and personal connection to the trust”. 

Mr Kelly said: “The NHS is facing considerable challenges, and I will advocate for those who use our services and support colleagues to continue to provide services that meet the needs of those who experience the greatest health inequalities in our society.”