28th November 2014
Health Minister Jim Wells today announced that Dr Michael McBride has been appointed Chief Executive of Belfast Health and Social Care Trust on a limited-term basis from 8 December.
Mr Wells said: “Dr McBride is a natural leader and gifted strategist. He has been at the forefront of medicine in Northern Ireland for two decades both as an accomplished physician and a highly respected government advisor. He possesses all the skills and the wealth of experience required to lead Northern Ireland’s largest provider of health and social care services. He is a perfect fit for this role.”
Dr McBride, a former Medical Director at the Royal Victoria Hospital, will combine his new role with his current position as Chief Medical Officer.
Dr McBride said: “I am very much looking forward to returning to Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and meeting with staff at every level across all services. While the Trust has faced some high profile difficulties recently on which I will focus my energies, I also believe it’s important to recognise the dedication and commitment of the Trust’s 22, 000 staff and the work they do every day to save lives, protect the vulnerable and to deliver safe and effective health and social care services to hundreds of thousands of patients and clients, both in Belfast and across Northern Ireland.”
As Chief Executive, Dr McBride will have responsibility for key Ministerial priorities for the Trust, including improving the performance of unscheduled care services and elective care, as well as leading the development of a new 10-year strategic direction for the organisation ensuring it reflects Ministerial and Government priorities and the public health agenda.
“Part of my role as CMO is to co-chair the Unscheduled Care Task Group which was set up to address issues with hospital flow which adversely affect waiting times in our emergency departments. My position in Belfast now allows me to adopt a hands-on approach to implementing these remedial measures.
“I would like to thank the Trust Board and the Minister for entrusting me with this position.”
Deputy Chief Medical Officers, Dr Anne Kilgallen and Dr Paddy Woods, have agreed to take on enhanced roles in the DHSSPS to support Dr McBride.
Chairman of Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Peter McNaney said: “The Board of Belfast Trust is delighted to welcome Dr Michael McBride as Chief Executive. We are confident that in combining his skills and experience with a committed and talented management team, Michael will lead the Trust on a journey of improvement and continue the excellent work already underway to ensure our services are of the highest standard. On behalf of Trust Board I would like to thank Martin Dillon, as acting Chief Executive, for the strong and steady leadership he has shown over the last six months in empowering clinical and other staff to bring about real improvements in patient safety and experience.”