New chair appointed at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
Dr Annette Doherty OBE FRSC HonFBPhS has been appointed as the new Chair of East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust (EKHUFT).
She brings 35 years of international experience working in the pharmaceutical sector to the role and has been directly involved in the research, development and launch of many new medicines.
Dr Doherty also has considerable non-executive experience in the NHS from Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as NED and as Chair at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Trust (MTW). She is also President of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Dr Doherty succeeds acting Chair Stewart Baird, who has chaired East Kent Hospitals since 1 January 2024. Dr Doherty will continue to also Chair MTW.
Stewart said: “It has been a privilege to hold the position of chair and work with so many fantastic colleagues across the Trust. During this time their hard work has resulted in real change for patients – reducing waiting times for cancer, diagnostics and planned care – and while also making big financial savings.
"In my role as Maternity Board safety champion I have also seen first-hand the dedication and commitment of staff in maternity to provide safer, more compassionate care.
“The search for our next Chair has been thorough and has resulted in an excellent appointment in Annette. I leave knowing that the Trust will continue to improve.”
Dr Doherty said: “I am delighted to join EKHUFT as its Chair and look forward to supporting the improvement journey the Trust is on. Both patient and staff experience are of fundamental importance to me and I am committed to ensuring the Trust is both a great place to work and receive care.
“This is an important time for both EKHUFT and MTW and I see my role as providing support to both leadership teams as we work to reduce health inequalities and improve and develop NHS services across Kent and Medway.”
Bernie Mayall, Lead Governor for East Kent Hospitals, said: “Our heartfelt thanks go to Stewart who has led and supported the Trust as a Chair and non-executive Director.
“The Council of Governors welcomes and is looking forward to working closely with Annette as we continue our important role in holding the Non-Executive Directors to account for improving the experience and quality of services provided to patients – a goal we all share.”
Tracey Fletcher, Chief Executive of East Kent Hospitals said: “We have benefitted from Stewart’s skill and experience, as well as his dedication to the Trust as Chair and as our Maternity Board safety champion.
“I am looking forward to working with Annette as we continue to focus on improving the safety and quality of care for patients and the experience of our staff.”
NHS Kent and Medway Chair Cedi Frederick said: “This is a positive appointment for East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust. Annette has been and will continue to be an excellent chair at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust. This follows a model already in operation for two other NHS trusts in Kent and Medway – sharing expertise, experience and knowledge and enhancing system working and partnerships.’’
Miles Scott, Chief Executive at MTW, said: “As part of the Kent and Medway health system EKHUFT and MTW have developed close working relationships and a culture of support and collaboration.
“While remaining separate organisations the trusts will work to maximise the opportunities for more joined up healthcare care which addresses local priorities and the shared challenges the NHS is facing.”
The appointment of the new Chair was made by the Trust’s Council of Governors and endorsed by NHS England. Dr Doherty will take up the role on 1 May 2025.