A NEW chief executive has been appointed at Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (Bridgewater).

The Board of Directors and Council of Governors have announced that Colin Scales will take over as chief executive in April from Dr. Kate Fallon who is retiring after nearly 40 years’ service in the NHS.

Welcoming the new appointment, Harry Holden, Trust Chairman said: “We are delighted to be making this announcement.

“This is a very exciting and challenging time for the NHS and Bridgewater, and we believe Colin possesses the skills and knowledge we need to lead this organisation into the next stage of its development.

“Kate has been an excellent chief executive who has made a huge difference locally to the health service. It was her determination and drive that resulted in the creation of Bridgewater and its subsequent achievement in securing Foundation Trust status, one of the first community trusts in the country to do so.

“We are confident Colin can now lead us on to the next stage in our growth as a leading provider of community health services in the North West of England, firmly committed to the delivery of high quality, patient focused care.”

Mr Scales joined Bridgewater, which provides community and specialised health services, as chief operating officer three years ago and has since led the reorganisation of clinical services across Warrington, Halton, St Helens, and Wigan.

He said: “I feel extremely proud and privileged to have been offered the post of chief executive, and I am looking forward to leading the trust into the future.

“Whilst I do not underestimate the challenges, I have a fantastic team around me who have provided me with invaluable help and support during the past three years.

“I am very conscious that I am taking over the reins from someone who has provided the organisation with fantastic leadership, and I have learned a great deal from Kate over the past three years.

“My job, though challenging, presents me with a fantastic opportunity to strengthen the foundations we have in place and support our front line clinicians to deliver the best care they can to their patients.”