Medway NHS Foundation Trust and Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust have today announced that Jonathan Wade is to become Chief Executive of both trusts for a six-month period from 1 April.
The joint Chief Executive appointment represents a significant step towards closer collaboration, and recognises the pathways followed by patients from across north Kent, and the close working of the two organisations.
It follows similar models across the country where trusts are increasingly sharing Chief Executives and other senior roles. Medway already shares a Chair, with Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust, while Dartford and Gravesham shares a Chair, Dr Jackie Craissati, with Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust.
Jonathan will take up the role at Medway alongside his current role as Chief Executive of Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust.
Jayne Black leaves Medway NHS Foundation Trust in early April to take up an appointment as Chief Executive of East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.
John Goulston, Chair of Medway NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Jonathan is an experienced Chief Executive and understands the challenges that the NHS in Medway and Kent experiences. At Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust he has overseen a number of improvements, and has played a key role in developing partnership working.
“We look forward to welcoming him to Medway where I know his skills and experience will be a great fit as we continue to make improvements through our Patient First approach.”
Jackie Craissati, Chair of Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, welcomed the appointment. She said: “I am excited by the opportunity for greater collaboration with Medway NHS Foundation Trust. I am confident our two boards will work well together, and this interim arrangement will allow us to explore how we might achieve more sustainable pathways of care for the people of North Kent.”
Jonathan said: “This is a real opportunity for both organisations to learn from each other and make the best use of our collective expertise. By working together more effectively, we can improve resilience, drive innovation and deliver even better care for our communities. While both trusts will remain independent, this is a chance to build on what we do well and strengthen services for the future.”
NHS Kent and Medway Chief Executive Paul Bentley said: “I am delighted that the Board and Council of Governors have approved the appointment of Jon as interim Chief Executive of Medway.
“Jon is an experienced Chief Executive and has shown exceptional leadership at Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, as well as contributing across our Kent and Medway system. I know that he will bring all that experience to Medway NHS Foundation Trust, and the Medway and Swale system.
“It is a challenging time to be a Chief Executive in the National Health Service as we bring down patient waiting times, as well as improve quality within the financial envelope allocated and Jon is well equipped to address the challenges we face. The support of teams will be central to the delivery of high-quality healthcare in the Trust and I am sure this will be forthcoming.’’
Both trusts remain committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care while ensuring their long-term sustainability.
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