An open letter to the communities that we are proud to serve | Latest news

An open letter to the communities that we are proud to serve

Today, (1 September 2022) Anthony May officially starts as Chief Executive at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) after more than 18 years at Nottinghamshire County Council. In his first open letter to the communities served by the Trust, Anthony sets out his vision for his first 100 days and beyond.

Today marks my first day as Chief Executive of NUH. Having lived and worked in Nottinghamshire for more than 18 years, I am proud and excited by the opportunity to lead an organisation that touches the lives of so many people.

I am proud too of my new colleagues. From the honest and optimistic conversations I have had already, I have seen first-hand how hard they work and how vital, and often challenging, their roles can be. 

Like me, colleagues across NUH know we have much to be proud of in supporting the health and wellbeing of local people. At the same time, these colleagues are keen to address the challenges we face as an organisation, with openness and urgency.

In response to feedback from staff, as well as service users I have set out seven key priorities that form my 100 Day Plan. These will be the focus of my early days at NUH:

  • Emergency pathways and flow through the hospital
  • Maternity services
  • Culture and leadership
  • Recruitment and retention – including working conditions for our colleagues
  • Elective catch up and other aspects of recovery from Covid
  • Quality, safety and patient experience
  • Partnership and integration

In particular, I will focus on improvements in our maternity services. From the outset of my tenure at NUH, I want to offer my unreserved apologies, on behalf of the Trust, for the distress that has been caused due to the failing in our maternity services.

I am determined to deliver the improvements needed in maternity services, building on the work of our Maternity Improvement Programme. The Independent Maternity Review, led by Donna Ockenden, starts today and is an important milestone for women and families, and for NUH. I would like to welcome Donna and her team to Nottingham and I look forward to working collaboratively with Donna, as part of our wider improvement programme.

While there is more to do, I have been impressed by the hard work, dedication and expertise of the teams I have met across NUH. I encourage all those we serve to let us know about your experience at our hospitals - where we have done a good job and where we need to improve. Your feedback is vital to our future plans and our collective success.

In conclusion, I pledge to undertake my new job to the very best of my ability. NUH has a wide range of excellent services, driven by dedicated people who want to make a difference. My job is to bring out the best in the organisation and to chart a course for the future where NUH is seen as a beacon of healthcare, a great partner and an outstanding place to work.

Anthony May
Chief Executive

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