Interim Chairman for Pennine Acute Trust

Date published: 03 March 2006

John Jesky has been appointed as interim chairman of the Pennine Acute Trust following the resignation last month of the previous chairman, Steven Price.

John is currently a non-executive director of Greater Manchester Strategic Health Authority and chairman of its audit committee, posts he will relinquish during this interim appointment. He was a non-executive director of Salford Community NHS Trust from 1994 to 1998. He is also a Trustee and Treasurer of the Princess Royal Trust for Carers and is a governor of the Royal Northern College of Music.

John has a business background and for most of his career worked in the food industry at a senior level.

“This is an exciting and challenging time for the trust,” he said. “A major consultation is underway that will shape the quality of healthcare in Bury, Rochdale, Oldham and north Manchester over the next ten years.”

GMSHA chairman, Philip Smith, said, “I am delighted that John has agreed to steer the trust at this important time. He has been an effective and enthusiastic member of our board and will bring valuable experience to the trust.

“John has a clear brief and that is to guide through service changes that will secure the future for all four hospitals that will continue to make up the Pennine Acute Trust.”

SHA chief executive, Neil Goodwin, said, “There are no plans to break up the Pennine trust. Any such changes would be a major distraction for staff at a time when we need to focus on creating safe, sustainable health services for the future.”

John lives in Altrincham and as interim chairman he will receive £21,882 a year. He has no political affiliations and no other ministerial appointments.