SEPT004-08
04 March 2008

New Chair for SEPT

South Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SEPT) is delighted to announce the appointment of Lorraine Cabel as the new Chair of our Board of Directors and Board of Governors. Lorraine officially joined the Trust on 3 March 2008.

This appointment was approved by the Board of Governors following the recommendation of the Governor’s Nomination Committee at their meeting on 5 February 2008.

Lorraine brings with her a wealth of expertise needed to carry out the role of Chair in a NHS Foundation Trust. She has over 30 years experience of the NHS in roles that include nursing, public health and executive board level.

Lorraine is a graduate in social sciences she has an in-depth understanding of the causes of health inequalities, their impact on health and well-being and how strong partnerships between organisations can begin to address and reduce these.

Lorraine’s other passion is patient and public involvement. She believes that real and lasting service improvements only happen if they are influenced and shaped by service user’s experiences.

Dr. Patrick Geoghegan OBE, Chief Executive, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Lorraine has been appointed as Chair of the Trust. Her experience at all levels of the NHS made her the ideal candidate for this important role. Both the Board of Directors and Board of Governors look forward to working with Lorraine in taking SEPT forward to meet the challenges of progress and celebrate the rewards that can bring.”

Lorraine Cabel, Chair, said: “I am really looking forward to my new role as Chair at SEPT and working with directors, governors, staff as well as our service users and carers. My previous experience will enable me to ‘hit the ground running’ to ensure that there is no loss of momentum in the fast paced, competitive environment within which the Trust operates. One of my key priorities is to involve and utilise the skills and experiences of our Governors who represent our local communities to respond to the needs of the people of south Essex.”

Lorraine will be based at the Lodge at Runwell hospital. She will Chair both the Board of Directors and Board of Governors.

ENDS

For more information, please contact Maxine Forrest, Head of Communications,
on 01268 491378/07966 046805, or at maxine.forrest@southessex-trust.nhs.uk