Former MP named new chairman of Mansfield and Sutton hospitals trust

Claire Ward has been appointed to the role at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Trust – which runs Mansfield Community and Sutton’s King’s Mill hospitals – after former chairman John MacDonald left to join Leicester’s hospitals in April 2021.

Ms Ward, who had been interim chairman, said: “I joined the trust board in 2013 in challenging times and have been part of the journey to where we are now. I am incredibly proud of the organisation and its people.

“The trust has been through huge change and improvement and the difference has been made possible by the care, compassion and commitment of its workforce and by their dedication to delivering excellent patient care.

“I am committed to continuing the organisation’s culture of always seeking to improve and to learn and I look forward to continuing to work closely with the board, executive and colleagues across the trust.”

Paul Robinson, trust chief executive officer, said: “Claire has been a key part of our board for many years and over the past six months has led us with talent, compassion and a commitment to continuing to make things better for our colleagues and patients.

“I personally look forward to continuing to work closely with her and to benefitting from her leadership and wise counsel.”

Ms Ward was first elected to parliament in 1997, aged just 24.

She served as Labour MP for Watford from 1997 to 2010, where roles included assistant government whip and a junior justice minister.

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