North Bristol NHS Trust and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust announce Joint Chair

The appointment is a key milestone on the two Trusts’ journey to forming a Hospital Group

North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) have today announced the appointment of Ingrid Barker as their Joint Chair following an open, competitive process. This follows the two organisations’ strategic intent to form a Hospital Group announced in December 2023 and the publication of their Joint Clinical Strategy in March this year.

Ingrid, who will take up the post in June, brings with her significant NHS board level experience gained over 25 years, including her current role as Chair at Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust. A qualified social worker, she is an active Governor at the University of Gloucestershire and previously held the role of Joint Chair of Gloucestershire Care Services NHS Trust and ²gether NHS Foundation Trust.

Ingrid’s drive and commitment to the provision of high-quality services, accessible to all is evidenced in her national policy and service redevelopment roles, notably leading on the transformation of mental health services community provision. She was also a Trustee and Board member of NHS Providers between 2013 and 2021, elected to represent Community Trusts across England.

Ingrid Barker, said:

“I am delighted to have been appointed as the Joint Chair of NBT and UHBW and I look forward to helping bring together the two Trusts as a Group to provide excellent access, experience and outcomes for the people and communities we serve. 

“The Joint Clinical Strategy that NBT and UHBW have developed together has captured my imagination and I hope that my previous experience of leading clinically led service change and strategic transformation will help the fantastic teams in both Trusts on this journey to deliver for the communities they serve.”

Maria Kane, Chief Executive at NBT said:

“Ingrid’s track record in delivering change in the NHS is second to none and I am incredibly excited that she has agreed to become the Joint Chair of NBT and UHBW at such a crucial time as we look ahead to the opportunities of becoming a Hospital Group.

“I look forward to working with her as our two organisations start this journey, unlocking significant benefits for staff and patients. In particular to deliver improved access, experience and outcomes as well as addressing health inequalities across all our communities.”

Stuart Walker, Interim Chief Executive at UHBW said:

“This appointment is the first important step in our plan to formally create an environment which enables a deeper partnership, strengthens collaboration, and enables delivery of our Joint Clinical Strategy.

“Working together with Ingrid as our Joint Chair, we will build on the impressive research and teaching track record in both Trusts and continue to collaborate with our partners in the Integrated Care System, to meet needs of the communities we serve.”