News

Murphy steps down as Patients Association CEO

The CEO of the Patients Association (PA) Katherine Murphy, who wrote for the most recent issue of NHE, is set to relinquish her role after nine years leading the organisation.

Having previously had a successful career in nursing, Murphy joined PA in 2003 as its head of communications before rising to the position of CEO in 2008.

Under her leadership, PA pushed for a number of positive reforms to NHS systems, including improving the health service’s complaints system.

Speaking about her decision, Murphy said: “It has been an enormous privilege to lead the PA and to build the organisation into a real campaigning force, speaking up for patients and the public and working to achieve changes in health and social care policy at the highest levels of government.
 
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the PA and I am immensely proud of the part the PA has played in making sure that patients’ voices are heard in relation to decision-making in health and social care.”

She then added: “The PA continues to campaign for an honest, caring and safe health and social care system where staff actively listen to patients and care for them with dignity and respect. That said, there is still a very long way to go and I know that the dedicated team at the PA, including our committed Helpline staff, will continue this work.”
 
Murphy further emphasised the need for patients, public and staff to stay actively engaged and involved with future decisions in health and social care services, something she argued is “essential to ensure better outcomes for patients and improved job satisfaction for staff”.

Commenting on the news, Liz McAnulty, chair of PA’s board of trustees said: “Katherine has worked tirelessly for many years to help bring about much needed improvements for patients and their families.

“Through her hard work and compassion she has earned the respect and admiration of colleagues from all levels of health and social care, the media, government and from the many patients and families she has assisted personally. She will be greatly missed by very many people, including the staff and Trustees of the PA.”

PA’s president, Sir Robert Francis, also praised Murphy’s work in the role, saying: “In her tremendous work at the PA as the voice of patients and their families Katherine has worked fearlessly with skill, determination and above all compassion to highlight their experiences, needs and expectations. We all owe her immense debt of gratitude.”

PA have said that the search for a new chief executive has now begun, with the recruitment process being overseen by a board of trustees. Murphy will work with senior staff and the board to ensure a smooth handover. 

(Top image: Andrea Jenkyns MP with Katherine Murphy, chief executive of the Patients Association, in 2015)

Have you got a story to tell? Would you like to become an NHE columnist? If so, click here.