The governors of Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have announced the appointment of Deborah Evans as their new chair, to succeed Peter Lachecki, who is due to leave at the end of April after nearly 6 years' service.

Deborah Evans is an experienced chair with 25 years Board level involvement in health and social care.

Notable appointments from her executive career include chief executive of NHS Bristol; chief executive of Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire PCT cluster; and latterly managing director of West of England Academic Health Science Network, which convened 21 NHS Trusts/CCGs, 3 universities and other stakeholders to promote innovation and spread improvement in the NHS.

Since 2017, Deborah has been Trustee and chair of Brunelcare (a housing and social care charity providing nursing homes, re-ablement, home care and supported living).

In taking up the role Deborah said she was encouraged by the potential to make a positive impact on people's lives. 

Deborah Evans, chair of Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: 'It's an absolute privilege and very humbling to be appointed to this role.

"There is huge potential and ambition to further improve patient care in Gloucestershire, and the Trust is well placed to make a positive impact on local communities.

"While the challenges ahead are enormous and may feel relentless, particularly as we come through a pandemic which has impacted on all of us in such different ways, I am heartened by the possibilities and opportunities ahead.

"I hope that collectively we can all take encouragement from these in our day-to-day work and in the way we will continue to provide care and services to our patients.'

Alan Thomas, Lead Governor, said: 'Following a comprehensive selection process, governors were convinced that Deborah will bring the right blend of experience and challenge to this important role within the Gloucestershire Health and Care System. "We are confident that Deborah is the right person to lead us through what are testing times for the NHS, and we look forward to working with her to impact positively on the health and welfare of the people of Gloucestershire. Welcome to our Trust.'