A HOSPITAL trust director has left his role after six years.

East Cheshire NHS Trust has announced a shake-up of its board.

Among the changes confirmed today (May 9) is the departure of Dr Peter Madden, who had served as a non-executive director since 2018.

Aislinn O'Dwyer, chair of East Cheshire NHS Trust, said: “On behalf of the trust, I would like to thank Peter for bringing his wealth of knowledge and expertise to our board for the past six years.

“He has played a key role as vice chair and maternity and neonatal safety champion.

“During his time with us, his keen eye for detail has been enormously supportive is his role as chair of the Safety Quality Standards Committee and his contributions to board assurance in relation to our quality agenda.”

She added: “Peter has gone over and above in terms of giving his time to the trust and is always first to recognise the contribution and hard work of others, showing compassion and respect.

“Through walkabouts and committee meetings, he has encouraged staff to share their challenges and celebrate their achievements.”

Cheshire East NHS Trust is responsible for the running of Knutsford and District Community Hospital, as well as Congleton War Memorial Hospital and Macclesfield District General Hospital.

The trust's non-executive directors play a vital role, helping to ensure performance standards are met as required by NHS England, the Care Quality Commission and other statutory bodies.

Dr Madden will be succeeded in this role by Chris Beacock.

Mr Beacock arrives following 30 years as a urological consultant at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust.

During his time there, he spent over three years as deputy medical director.

He will take on all of Dr Madden’s previous roles, including becoming chair of the Safety Quality Standards Committee, with immediate effect.

Alongside this change is the announcement that non-executive director and senior independent director Jackie Waugh is to become the vice chair of East Cheshire NHS Trust.

Since joining the trust in 2022, Mrs Waugh has been involved across the full range of committees and is currently chair of the People Committee and East Cheshire NHS Charity Committee.