MTW’s Chair, Dr Annette Doherty, OBE FRSE HonFBPhS, has taken on a new role as the Chair of East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust (EKHUFT).

Annette will continue in her role as Chair of MTW and her new position offers an exciting opportunity for greater partnership working between the trusts as we work to improve and develop NHS services.

As part of the Kent and Medway health system MTW and EKHUFT have already developed close working relationships and a culture of support and collaboration. While remaining separate organisations we will work with colleagues in east Kent to maximise the opportunities for joined up healthcare which benefit our staff and patients as we respond to local priorities.

It has become increasingly common in recent years for an individual to chair more than one trust alongside a move towards greater system and provider collaboration in different forms. The benefits include sharing best practice and learning, and mutual support and cooperation around service provision. This will be invaluable as we address the challenges the NHS is facing.

Dr Doherty said: “This is an important time for both EKHUFT and MTW and I see my role as providing support to both leadership teams as we work to reduce health inequalities and improve and develop NHS services across Kent and Medway.”

Miles Scott, Chief Executive at MTW, said: “As part of the Kent and Medway health system EKHUFT and MTW have developed close working relationships and a culture of support and collaboration.

“While remaining separate organisations the trusts will work to maximise the opportunities for more joined up healthcare care which addresses local priorities and the shared challenges the NHS is facing.”

NHS Kent and Medway Chair Cedi Frederick said: “This is a positive appointment for East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust. Annette has been and will continue to be an excellent chair at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust. This follows a model already in operation for two other NHS trusts in Kent and Medway – sharing expertise, experience and knowledge and enhancing system working and partnerships.’’

Dr Doherty will take up the role on 1 May 2025.