New Leader for Hertfordshire and West Essex Sustainability and Transformation Partnership
The Hertfordshire and west Essex Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP) has appointed a full-time leader to continue the transformation of health and social care services across the area.
Deborah Fielding is currently Chief Executive of West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group. An experienced NHS chief executive, Deborah started her career as a nurse at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge and worked as a midwife and health visitor before moving into health service management. Deborah will take up the post from 15 January.
Tom Cahill, Chief Executive of Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT) and current STP lead, announced his intention to hand over the role to a dedicated full-time leader in November. After successfully developing the partnership on a part-time basis for 18 months, Tom said:
“The Hertfordshire and west Essex Sustainability and Transformation Partnership has matured and developed and now has considerable potential to improve the health and care of our 1.5 million population. It has been a privilege to work on this significant project which is already beginning to deliver some area-wide benefits. However the time is now right to hand over the reins to a full-time leader, so that the full potential of the partnership can be reached.
“Although I will return to working full-time as Chief Executive of HPFT from the end of January, a key part of my role will be ensuring that the importance of good mental health care continues to be recognised and prioritised throughout the STP.”
Ellen Schroder, Chair of East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, chaired the appointment panel: “Tom Cahill has led both the STP and HPFT with considerable skill. Through his leadership, staff from the area’s many organisations have started to come together to tackle the big health and care issues that challenge us all.
“I am delighted that Deborah Fielding has agreed to take forward this vital work full-time. Her commitment to partnership working and her experience of developing an integrated approach to health and social care both in Wiltshire and in the west Essex area, will bring considerable benefits to residents and staff.”
Deborah added: “I am absolutely committed to the principles and vision of our area’s Sustainability and Transformation Partnership. We can only improve our health and wellbeing by working together in new ways with the public, health and social care employees. There’s a long road ahead and I am looking forward to working closely with colleagues as we navigate our way towards a Healthier Future.”