Sunderland hospital boss takes on chief role in South Tyneside

South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust teamed up with City Hospitals Sunderland NHS foundation Trust earlier this year to form a new alliance.

Bosses said the move is to ensure that patients get the best possible care.

Last month it was announced that a joint management structure, with one executive and management team accountable for running of all hospital and community services across both area’s, will be created.

It has been confirmed by that Ken Bremner, Sunderland’s chief executive, will now be covering both Trusts.

He said: “I am delighted to be taking on this joint role across South Tyneside and Sunderland. I believe that despite the challenges facing the NHS, the people of South Tyneside and Sunderland deserve the very best hospital and community services and I’m committed to continuing to build upon the proud history of excellent care, delivered by fantastic staff at South Tyneside and am confident that together with City Hospitals Sunderland, through a joint management structure, we will all ensure sustainable and high quality services for the future.

“It is my promise to patients and staff alike that this joint executive management team will act, and only act, in the very best interests of patient care.”

Meanwhile, Steve Willaimson, South Tyneside’s current chief executive, will be made deputy chief executive of both sites.

He said: “I am looking forward to working closely with Ken to build on the many positive working practices which exist within both Foundation Trusts to benefit patient care and provide staff with the best possible support.”

Both men will take up their new roles on September 12.

The Trusts will continue to function as separate statutory NHS Foundation Trusts, each with its own Board of Directors.

South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust’s chairman, Neil Mundy added: “I believe that with his wealth of experience, Ken will be able to lead the two organisations successfully through the challenges of the next few years and I look forward to formally welcoming him to our Trust, and on to our Board, in September.”

The new alliance will see Sunderland’s Trust build on specialist services, increasing its focus on emergency surgical and complex planned acute services.

South Tyneside will lead on out-of-hospital rehabilitation, diagnostic and screening services, plus community services with both councils and primary care teams.