East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust has confirmed Anita Day as the new Trust chair, following a competitive recruitment process.
Anita will take the role of chair from 1 February 2024, following Karen McConnell, who has been acting chair since November this year.
Anita is a chartered accountant, with board experience in the private, public and third sectors. Her NHS career includes time as a non-executive director at both Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, and most recently as chair of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. She is currently a non-executive member of the Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board, where her particular areas of focus are workforce strategy, health inequalities and digital transformation.
Karen McConnell took over as acting chair at East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust in November, following Ellen Schroder’s move to chair Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and will continue in her role as deputy chair.
On her appointment, Anita Day said:
“From the very first moment that I met my first colleagues from East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, I was impressed by the commitment to providing our patients with the best possible care, and being true to the Trust’s values.
“I am really excited to have the opportunity to lead the Trust’s continuing progress to consistently providing exemplary care and service, and to ensuring that all staff feel valued and respected.
“I look forward to meeting, and learning from, many more colleagues in the coming weeks and months.”
Karen McConnell, acting chair, said:
“I’m pleased to welcome Anita to the Trust, and to be handing over the reins to someone with her experience and understanding of our direction and values.
“It’s a really exciting time to join the Trust as we embark on a long-term improvement journey.”
Adam Sewell-Jones, chief executive at East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust said:
“Anita brings a wealth of experience to the Trust, which will see benefits for our patients, community and staff and I’m delighted she is joining us.
“On behalf of the Board, I’d like to thank Karen McConnell for her work as acting chair and I’m pleased she continues in her role as deputy chair. I’d also like to thank Ellen Schroder once again for her time as chair.”
As chair of the Trust’s Board, Anita will be responsible for setting the overall strategic direction of the Trust within the context of NHS priorities, regularly monitoring performance, and providing financial stewardship.
