Professor Robin Talbot has been appointed as the joint Chair for Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT) and North Cumbria University NHS Hospitals Trust (NCUH).
He is currently the Chair of CPFT and has been in post since September 2017. Prior to that he was the Executive Dean at the University of Cumbria where he also undertook the role of Dean for the Faculty of Health, Medical Sciences and Social Care.
Professor Talbot will take up the position from April 2019 for a period of two years when Gina Tiller, the current Chair of NCUH retires. Professor Talbot’s role will also include Chair of the North Cumbria Health and Care System Leadership Board and Chair of the CPFT Governors Council.
The two trusts are set to formally merge later this year and the appointment of a joint chair ensures that both boards and Governor’s Council of CPFT are guided by a shared ambition to transform services and improve outcomes for local communities.
Professor Talbot said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Chair at CPFT and I’m delighted to have been offered this position across both organisations, especially as we move towards being one of the first Integrated Health and Care Trusts in England.
“I have worked across the whole of Cumbria and I bring with me a passionate interest in healthcare; 25 years’ experience of being an NHS board member and a desire to see Cumbria delivering the highest quality health and care we can, to the most loyal communities in the UK.”
CPFT Governors Council and NHS Improvement jointly appointed Professor Talbot following a comprehensive interview process including an event for stakeholders of the organisations. Keith Amey, Deputy Lead Governor who was on the interview panel added: “The calibre of candidates was absolutely outstanding. We are delighted with the appointment of Professor Talbot and looking forward to continuing our work together. He has much experience to bring to the role which will really benefit the future plans and transformations of both CPFT and NCUH as we join together.”
Professor Talbot will take up the position for a 2 year term from 1st April 2019 to 31st March 2021. Remuneration is £50,901 per annum which will be paid 50/50 by both Trusts.
