A Nottinghamshire council boss has announced he will be leaving the authority to take on the chief executive role at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust. Anthony May, the current chief executive of Nottinghamshire County Council, has confirmed the news with staff on Wednesday, May 11.
In his current role, Mr May is responsible for the council’s £1.1 billion budget and around 18,000 staff who work directly and indirectly for the council. He is also Chair of the Midlands Engine Operating Board and was for three years Chair of the Association of County Council Chief Executives.
A start date is still to be agreed, but NUH has said they were "working towards early autumn". Mr May said: “I am delighted to be appointed as the Chief Executive for the Trust, which is very important to local people and the wider system. My focus will be on the current challenges facing the Trust, including improvements in the maternity service, flow through the hospital, and the way the organisation is led."
"In particular, I would like to reassure those who have come forward bravely as part of the independent maternity review, that I am determined that the Trust provides full support to the process and can deliver the improvements needed for local mothers, babies and families. In the lead up to my appointment, I met a number of colleagues who work in the Trust, and some of the patients who receive services.
"In all of these conversations, I was met by honesty and a commitment to improve. I intend to harness this commitment and work with Trust Board, staff, patients and partners, to ensure the Trust is as good as it can be, now and into the future.”
Nick Carver, chair of the Nottinghamshire University NHS Trust, said: “I am delighted that Anthony has been appointed as our new Chief Executive. He has extensive knowledge of the issues faced by the system, a proven commitment to partnership working and a strong track record in the provision of excellent services that are accountable to the public.
“I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Rupert for leading the organisation for the last ten months. Rupert is well respected in the organisation and has provided both stability and assurance during a time of transition, and for that, the Board and his Executive Team thank him.”
Cllr Ben Bradley MP shared his congratulations on Anthony’s appointment, and said: ‘‘Anthony has been a fantastic servant to Nottinghamshire and its residents over many years. Whilst I am very sad to see him leaving the Council, I know that this exemplary service will continue in his new role at NUH.
“Anthony’s excellent reputation and existing stakeholder relationships across the area will be of huge benefit to the Trust and, by extension, to local residents. I have no doubt that he is the right appointment for the job.
“On behalf of everyone at the Council I want to thank Anthony for the many years of hard work and service he has put in here, for which I am both personally and professionally very grateful, and to wish him the very best of luck.’’
