NHS Trust appoints new Chair

Martin Barkley has been appointed as the new Chair of York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. 

The appointment was made and confirmed by the Trust’s Council of Governors, with Martin taking the role from 1 November 2023.

Martin was Chief Executive of Mid-Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust from 2016 until his retirement in 2021. This followed eight years as Chief Executive of Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust.

Previously, Martin managed the commissioning and opening of the East Surrey Hospital, was Unit General Manager and Chief Executive for East Surrey Learning Disability and Mental Health Services, Chief Executive for Nottingham Healthcare Trust, and Chief Executive for Hampshire Partnership NHS Trust.

He is currently a Governor on the Board of Leeds Beckett University and a Volunteer and Trustee at the Charity Zarach. 

Martin and his wife have lived in Harrogate for the past 14 years. They have two daughters and two granddaughters.

Martin succeeds Interim Chair Mark Chamberlain, who will return to his role as a Non-executive Director on the Integrated Care Board of Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership.

Martin said: “I am delighted to be joining the Trust as its Chair, supporting the improvement journey the Trust is on. I am absolutely committed to carrying out my role to help ensure the Trust is a great place to work and to receive care. The patient experience and staff experience are of fundamental importance. At the same time the Trust has a crucial role, alongside our health and care partners, to contribute to reducing health inequalities and to improving the social determinants of health in the communities we serve.”

Simon Morritt, Chief Executive at York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust added: “Martin is a hugely experienced and highly regarded NHS leader with significant knowledge and experience of healthcare organisations and the challenges we face. I am confident that Martin is ideally placed to lead our Board in the next phase of our journey, and I look forward to welcoming him to the Trust.”

“I must also offer my thanks and appreciation on behalf of the Board to Mark Chamberlain for his leadership and support during his time as Interim Chair.”

As Chair of the Board, Martin will be responsible for setting the overall strategic direction of the Trust within the context of NHS priorities, regularly monitoring performance and providing financial stewardship. He will also chair the Council of Governors.