New Non-Executive Directors appointed to Liverpool University Hospital’s Board of Directors
Helping to drive quality for patients and breaking down barriers in healthcare are just some of the ambitions of the two new Non-Executive Directors at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Sheila Samuels and Eustace de Sousa have been appointed as Non-Executive Directors to Liverpool University Hospital’s Board of Directors, in succession to Angela Phillips and David Fillingham CBE, who have reached the end of their terms.
Human Resources professional Sheila, from Grassendale, has more than 20 years board level experience in local government and health service organisations. Most recently she has been a Non-Executive Director, and Deputy Chair Designate, at The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, and an Executive Reviewer at the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
“Coming together and merging both organisations was such an important thing, and Liverpool University Hospitals is now a big player in terms of delivering healthy outcomes for its wider population and breaking down barriers in healthcare.
“I’ve lived in Liverpool all of my life, in a career that has revolved around the public sector – it’s my passion. It has been an ambition to serve at my local hospital, where I can really help make a difference. I look forward to supporting the Executive Team, asking the right questions and driving quality for our patients.”
Eustace, from Bolton, has been the National Lead at Public Health England for Health Inequalities and the Life Course since December 2018, and is also a Trustee Director for the Social Care Institute for Excellence. He has worked in a number of operational and strategic roles in health, local government and the voluntary sector.
“I’m really excited by this opportunity. There are huge, deep rooted, social inequalities in the city region – so this can not only be improved in terms of better healthcare, but also in Liverpool University Hospital’s role as an employer and within its procurement of services.
“I am looking forward to playing a part in improving the quality of services; providing the best possible health care outcomes for patients, but also quality for staff – so that they are really proud to work for Liverpool University Hospitals.”
Sue Musson, Chair at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“I am delighted to welcome Sheila and Eustace to the Board. We were overwhelmed with exceptional applicants for our Non-Executive Director vacancies, and both Sheila and Eustace stood out for their extensive experience, knowledge and passion for excellence in the health service. Their expertise will be a great asset as we develop as an organisation, and their new Board colleagues very much look forward to working with them.
“On behalf of the Board, I would also like to sincerely thank David and Angela for all of their hard work throughout their many years spent on both the Aintree University Hospital and the Royal Liverpool University Hospital Boards respectively, and subsequently at Liverpool University Hospitals. Their experience and knowledge was pivotal in the progression of our merger. They have been great colleagues, and we all wish them the very best for their future endeavours.”
David Fillingham’s NHS career began in 1989 and includes a number of positions as Chief Executive Officer. He had served two full terms at Aintree University Hospital before joining the Board at Liverpool University Hospitals. David also chaired the Quality Committee.
“It’s been amazing to see how the Trust has managed COVID-19, reconfiguring sites so quickly, and I think how we reacted to the pandemic has already been one of the big benefits of the merger. I really look forward to seeing how the organisation grows in the future.
“One of the things I’ve really enjoyed the most as my time as a Non-Executive Director is meeting staff and seeing what they do, and I will miss that.”
For chartered accountant Angela Phillips, her time on the Board at the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals has seen many significant developments, including the development of the new Royal Liverpool University Hospital. She also chaired the Workforce and Education Committee.
“On a professional level, it was such a big achievement for the organisation to complete the merger. On a personal level, what I will miss is hearing staff and patient stories at the Board meeting – it’s a real reminder of what the role is all about.”