Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust appoints new Chair
Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust (NCH&C) has appointed Lynda Thomas CBE as Chair of its Trust Board.
Lynda joins NCH&C from Macmillan Cancer Support, where she became the charity’s first female Chief Executive in March 2015. In her 20 years at Macmillan Lynda has worked in a range of roles supporting people living with cancer and securing ground-breaking reforms in cancer care, support and treatment.
Lynda leads the sector as an advocate for cancer patients and is currently Chair of the NHS England Cancer Programme Charity Forum, on the board of the Richmond Group, a member of the NHSE National Cancer Board, NHS Assembly and the Cicely Saunders Institute Advisory Board, and is an independent board member for the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board.
Lynda said: “I am delighted to be appointed Chair of Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust and am looking forward to taking up this important role in February 2023.
“Throughout my whole career I’ve been a passionate champion of the NHS and have worked tirelessly to ensure inclusive patient care and experience is at the heart of everything I, and the organisations I’ve led, have delivered.
“This is a critical time for the NHS where exemplary patient care can only be delivered through partnership working and where the role of community services is more vital than ever. Maintaining the outstanding services provided by NCH&C and supporting its incredible staff to deliver these services will be essential to ensuring the 900,000 people across Norfolk can access the care and treatment they require.
“I very much look forward to working with the Chief Executive and the Executive Team and Trust Board to build on the outstanding foundations already in place and supporting the Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care System to provide the best possible integrated health and social care across the county.”
Stephen Collman, CEO of NCH&C, said: “We are incredibly excited to have Lynda join our Outstanding trust. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge that will support NCH&C in delivering our services to Norfolk's communities.”
Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt, Chair of NHS Norfolk and Waveney, said: “I am delighted Lynda has been appointed to join NCH&C. Lynda has an outstanding track record as a patient champion and as a collaborative leader who has built strong partnerships between the NHS and the voluntary sector.
“I am very much looking forward to working with her as we work together to help people lead longer, healthier and happier lives.”
Lynda will take on the post of NCH&C Chair in February 2023 for an initial term of office of three years.