One of the most influential and long-serving chief executives in the NHS has announced his retirement. Sir Michael Deegan has spent more than 20 years at the helm of what has now become the country's largest NHS trust.
Sir Mike has overseen the huge expansion of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), which formed in October 2017 following the merger of Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust. The trust now runs a host of the region's major hospitals and health services.
It's roster includes Manchester Royal Infirmary, the Royal Manchester Children's, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Saint Mary's Hospital, University Dental Hospital, Wythenshawe Hospital, North Manchester General, Trafford General, Withington Community Hospital and Altrincham Hospital.
Sir Mike Deegan, Group Chief Executive of MFT, is to step down in the early part of 2023, it was announced today. Sir Mike sent a personal email to the trust’s 28,000 staff to announce the move.
The statement read: "I am writing to let you know I will be stepping down as MFT’s CEO in the early part of 2023. I have been our CEO for well over 20 years and have felt hugely privileged and fortunate to be part of our team each and every day.
"However, I feel the time is now approaching – with the huge opportunities brought about by HIVE, our burgeoning research/BRC platform and the re-shaping of many of our services to deliver our recovery programmes – to allow a new CEO to shape this strategic and delivery agenda for the next period of MFT’s development.
"MFT is incredibly well placed as one of the strongest, most innovative institutions across the entire NHS and has played a significant role in developing a more collaborative way of working with partners across GM. We have a really strong track record of delivery.
"All this, and more, will need to continue as we drive forward with our determination to make MFT the best place to work, with consistently excellent services which are designed to meet the bespoke needs of our patients and the diverse communities we serve.
"I have always taken great inspiration from the talents, efforts and achievements of our staff, governors and volunteers and this has been particularly so during the last two and a half years of the pandemic. Your efforts have been truly outstanding and I would wish to take this opportunity to say thank you to you all.
"Our resilience has been well tested during these times and MFT’s strength lies in how we stick together and support each other. Finally, there is much still to do to prepare our services for the challenges ahead. But, as ever, let’s not lose sight of just how special and profoundly important the work that you all do is and the impact it can have on people’s lives and wellbeing.
"Thanks again and I look forward to seeing you over the coming months. Our Chairman, Kathy Cowell, will be putting steps in place to recruit to our CEO role later this summer."
Sir Michael holds a first degree in Law and a Masters degree in Industrial Relations from the University of Warwick. He was previously Chief Executive at Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CMFT) having also held the post of Chief Executive at Warrington Hospital and then North Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust.
He has also held the post of Director of Human Resources for the NHS. He was involved in the preparation of the Government’s NHS Plan in 2000 and has worked widely across the public sector including roles in local government and education.
In response to the move, Kathy Cowell, trust chairman, said: “Mike’s personal contribution to the development of NHS healthcare and research in Greater Manchester has been outstanding and unmatched over the last two decades.
“He would be the first to praise everyone else involved, but great teams need great leaders, and that is what Mike has been for us. Mike would also say that this success has come not just from the efforts of all our amazing staff, governors, contractors and volunteers, but from the partnership approach which he has helped build with local authorities, universities and other key stakeholders.
“We will of course ensure that we remain totally focused on providing the highest quality patient care as we recruit Mike’s successor, a process which has already started.”
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