Health trust to welcome “humbled but very excited” new chair

Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust has appointed Dr Michael Richmond as chair of the board of directors.

An experienced physician and leader, and anaesthetist by background with 25 years’ experience, Dr Richmond has held many senior healthcare roles, including medical director at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, in addition to non-executive director experience with the Bermuda Health Council.

He currently chief executive and president of Bermuda Hospitals Board and has worked extensively on major change programmes both in the UK and internationally.

He will take over from Martin Havenhand, who has been chair for the past nine years and left at the end of August to start as chair of Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

Lead governor Gavin Rimmer said: “The trust has seen tremendous change under Martin’s tenure. I, along with the council of governors, thank him for his dedication, not just to the trust, but to Rotherham.

“It was important we found the right person to continue the strong and passionate leadership of the board.

“We had an excellent field of candidates and I’m very much looking forward to working alongside Michael in the coming months.”

Dr Richmond said: “I feel honoured, humbled but very excited about the challenge and opportunity which lies ahead.”

Current vice chair Karan Malik will be interim chair until Dr Richmond’s arrival towards the end of the year.