New Chief Executive to lead community and mental health services

Michael McCourt will take up post as Pennine Care’s Chief Executive to lead the community and mental health services from 1 January 2014

Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust has announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive to lead its community and mental health services across Greater Manchester.

Michael McCourt, the Trust’s existing Director of Operations and Nursing, will take up the post of Chief Executive from 1 January 2014, following a robust and independent recruitment process.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr McCourt said: "I consider it a privilege to be given the opportunity to lead Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust as Chief Executive and take forward its vision and strategy in the years ahead. My priorities will be to empower staff to improve patient care, continue to foster our partnerships and focus on delivering integrated, whole-person care close to home.

“I am both excited and proud to accept the post of Chief Executive and look forward to working closely with all our key stakeholders."

The Trust commissioned the NHS Leadership Academy to manage the selection process, ensuring openness and transparency. An assessment was carried out over two days which included five panels representing patients, service users, carers, clinicians, unions, partners and Governors. A formal interview panel made the final selection and the appointment was made by the Trust’s Appointment and Remuneration Committee, before being signed off finally by the Council of Governors.

Mr McCourt has been a director at Pennine Care since 2004 and has worked for the NHS for nearly 30 years. He is a qualified nurse and has worked in a range of clinical and non-clinical roles. Michael has led the Trust’s service development strategy and professional leadership of nursing and allied health professionals. He also has extensive experience of service transformation and frontline services have grown by £150 million during his tenure at Pennine Care.

John Schofield, Chairman at Pennine Care, said: “I am confident that Michael’s clinical background and extensive Board level experience will provide Pennine Care with strong leadership that is focussed on providing our patients with the best possible care. He is the architect for Trust’s vision and strategy over the next five years, making him the best person to continue to drive the Trust forward in the future.”

John Starkey, Lead for the Council of Governors, added: “The whole selection process has been exemplary and the Governors, as well as other community representatives, have been involved at every step. We are delighted by the appointment of Michael McCourt, who we already know well and believe will be a fantastic Chief Executive.”

Pennine Care provides healthcare to 1.3 million people across Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside and Glossop and Trafford. It was established in 2002 and became the 100th Foundation Trust in 2008. Over the last 10 years the Trust’s turnover has grown from £55 million to £274 million, and it now employs more than 6,000 staff.