The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust appoints Interim Chair

The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has announced the appointment of Neil Large as Interim Chair of its Board of Directors from 1 March 2025. 

Neil Large brings extensive experience from public and voluntary sector organisations with over 30 years’ experience working at board level. He has held a number of key leadership roles including his most recent positions as Non-Executive Director at Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board and Chair of Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. 

Neil is a local resident and is passionate about supporting the local communities served by the Trust.

Neil Large, Interim Chair, said: “I am honoured to take up the role of Interim Chair at the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust – my local hospital - and I look forward to leading the Board of Directors and supporting staff to continue to improve patient care, safety and experience.”

The Board of Directors will shortly begin a comprehensive search for a permanent chair. For the next six months, Neil will work alongside the Executive team, Non-Executive Directors and Governors to maintain momentum on the Trust’s drive to improve services and uphold the Trust’s commitment to providing safe, kind and effective patient care.

Jane Tomkinson OBE, Chief Executive Officer said: “We are confident that under Neil’s leadership, we will continue to improve our services, focusing on the experiences of our patients and our staff. Our vision is to provide outstanding care and Neil will support this ambition whilst we move ahead with a full and thorough recruitment process for a permanent chair.”

Graham Urwin, Chief Executive of NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said: “We are incredibly pleased to support this interim appointment. Given his extensive experience and expertise, in addition to his commitment and always putting the patient first, we are confident that - under Neil’s leadership - the Trust will continue to make consistent and sustained improvements and outcomes for patients.”

Neil Large will hold the position for six months while a full and thorough recruitment process for a permanent chair takes place.