Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has appointed Martin Earwicker as its new chair, following a “rigorous recruitment process”.
Earwicker is set to join on new year’s day from neighbouring Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, where he will temporarily remain to ensure his successor benefits from a smooth transition.
Hampshire Hospitals’ current chair Steve Erskine similarly will work with Earwicker to make sure the trust has a smooth transition of its own over the next few months.
Experience
Earwicker has extensive board-level experience having recently served as non-executive director at Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
Slightly further afield, he has been CEO at the MoD’s Science and Technology Laboratory and CEO at the Science Museum. Earwicker was also vice chancellor at London South Bank University.
The new chair will join with a proven track record of delivering “transformational change” according to the health service. Some of his priorities could include:
- Fostering a positive organisation culture
- Working with partners to drive improve patient outcomes
- Patient-centred decision-making
- EDI
A visionary approach and values-driven leadership
On his appointment, Earwicker commented: “I’m really looking forward to joining Hampshire Hospitals at the start of 2025. Hampshire Hospitals is a brilliant organisation, and I understand the vital role is plays in providing essential services to local communities, as well as specialist care to patients from further afield.
“This is an exciting time to join the Trust as it looks to the future, working with partners to modernise healthcare for the benefit of the communities it serves.”
"I am delighted to welcome Martin as the new Chair of Hampshire Hospitals,” added Hampshire Hospitals’ CEO, Alex Whitfield.
She added: “His exceptional leadership experience across diverse sectors, along with his understanding of health and social care, will be invaluable to our staff and the communities we serve.
“Martin’s visionary approach and values-driven leadership will help guide the Trust as we continue to deliver outstanding care and navigate both the opportunities and challenges ahead.”
Whitfield also put on record her thanks for outgoing chair Erskine who had been “exemplary” and leaves after serving the maximum six-year term.
Hampshire Hospitals employs around 8,600 staff and serves approximately 600,000 people across Hampshire and parts of west Berkshire. Its turnover exceeds £500m.
Image credits: iStock and Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
