Ian Johnson, Chair of University Hospitals Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT), has today announced his decision to retire from his role.
Ian has held the role since April 1, 2018 and his last day with the Trust will be November 29, 2019.
Ian said: “I will be sad to say goodbye to my colleagues from UHMBT. I’ve been made to feel very welcome and I have enjoyed my time working alongside CEO Aaron Cummins, the Board of Directors and Council of Governors.
“There are a number of personal and family reasons for me taking this decision now, coupled with an expected absence from the Trust following surgery. I truly believe that the time is now right for me to hand over to a new person to lead the Board and Council of Governors as the local health economy continues to integrate and respond to the requirements of the NHS Long Term Plan.
“I hope I have made a proactive contribution to this, my local Trust, during my period as Chair and one innovation I am pleased with is the introduction of constituency meetings where Governors and the Chair can discuss particular local issues affecting members and patients.”
Aaron Cummins, CEO of UHMBT, said: “I will miss Ian. He has been a good friend and colleague in his time with the Trust. We will now commence the process of recruiting Ian’s successor and, as Ian says, the continued integration and improvement of local health and care services remains a priority for the Trust. We wish him and his family well for the future.”
Colin Ranshaw, Head Governor of UHMBT, said: “On behalf of the Council of Governors I’d like to pass on our sincere thanks to Ian for his contribution to the Trust and Council of governors. We respect his reasons for wanting to leave the Trust and wish him every success for the future. We thank him for his time with the Trust and we will now work to appoint our next Chair.”
