A fond farewell to Debbie Fleming

Last week (31 March) we said a fond farewell and thanks to our chief executive, Debbie Fleming OBE, who retired after 38 years of dedicated service to the NHS. Speaking at the event, Debbie said, "It's a good end – I'm very happy and proud of my time in the NHS and wish you all the success for the future". Professor Paula Shobbrook, acting chief executive, added that Debbie had always focussed on patients and their care - "it runs through you like a stick of rock."

Whilst it is recognised that this represents a significant change for UHD, arrangements have been put in place to manage the transition and maintain strong leadership within the organisation. Professor Paula Shobbrook, our chief nursing officer and deputy chief executive will be acting chief executive until Siobhan Harrington takes up her post from 1 June 2022, with Philip Green, our vice chair and chair of the Audit Committee, acting as chair until the new chair takes up his/her post later in the year.

During her last days Debbie sat down with the Bournemouth Echo and recorded a special podcast, 'The Echo Dispatch', looking back at her career. and managing an NHS hospital through a pandemic and merger. You can listen to it here.