THERE has been extension to the service of the man who leads the group that will have a major say in the future of Tenbury Hospital.

The chairman of Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust has had his tenure extended by a further two years.

Chris Burdon has been in the role since the trust was formed back in 2011.

His term was due to end in June, but for continuity at board level NHS Improvement, which is responsible for appointing chairs and non-executive directors to NHS trust boards, has re-appointed him until the summer of 2019.

During the trust’s inspection in 2016, inspectors praised the visibility of the board, and described the organisation as “well led” with a positive culture of openness and transparency.

“This is an interesting and exciting time for the trust as we work with our health and social care partners to develop new and existing services which meet the demands of our patients and wider communities within tight financial parameters,” he said.

“The trust has just been named a global digital exemplar for mental health services which will help us transform local services, and we are aiming to be recognised as an ‘Outstanding’ organisation when the CQC re-visit us. Alongside skilled and motivated staff, stability at board level is an important factor in delivering consistent high standards of care across all services.”

Prior to joining the NHS, Chris held a series of senior executive positions in the metal processing sector.