Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust has confirmed that John Grinnell will now officially take the reins in Liverpool, after serving as interim CEO following Louise Shepherd’s departure last month.
Grinnell initially joined Alder Hey seven-and-a-half years ago directing the finance division as well as holding the deputy CEO position. April 2023 saw Grinnell take on more responsibility, becoming the managing director and chief finance officer at Alder Hey.
He will now take over immediately from Shepherd as CEO, having already assumed her role in the interim. Shepherd left after 16 years in charge at Alder Hey to become NHS England’s new regional director for the north west after Richard Barker’s retirement.
30 years of NHS experience
After beginning his health service career via the National Finance Graduate Trainee programme, Grinnell’s now-almost-30-year career in the NHS features roles heading up both performance and finance departments.
More notably, he became acting CEO at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust during the autumn of 2015 after previous CEO Wendy Farrington-Chadd resigned.
The following April Grinnell became deputy CEO at the same trust, before joining Alder Hey shortly after – during which time, he has won multiple finance director awards. He has worked at board level within the NHS for 17 years.
Just what the doctor ordered
“John is already well known – and well respected – within Alder Hey, and our wider, local health economy, having played a leading role since joining us in April 2017,” said Alder Hey’s chair, Dame Jo Williams, on the appointment.
She added: “John’s expertise and experience of managing NHS finances is well recognised, but it is matched by his absolute commitment to ensuring children and young people have the best possible start to life.
“His skills and vision are exactly what Alder Hey needs, and I’m confident that with the support of the Trust Board, the Executive team, and our colleagues, he will successfully guide us through the next stage of our journey.”
Continuing a legacy
Grinnell, meanwhile, describes the news as an honour, especially given the crucial role the trust plays in combatting health inequalities within its own catchment area and beyond – Alder Hey Children’s Hospital is one of Europe’s biggest and busiest.
“Working alongside our brilliant people and partners, I am confident that we can make a difference,” he said.
Concluding, Grinnell added: “I want to pay homage to my predecessor, Louise Shepherd CBE, who, over the course of her 16 years, transformed Alder Hey into the state-of-the-art centre of paediatric healthcare and treatment that it is today.
“Louise’s compassionate leadership and laser focus on the needs of children and young people were, and continue to be, an inspiration to me.”
Image credits: iStock & Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
