Paul Cronin named as Designate Non-Executive Director of The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust

The NHS Trust Development Authority yesterday confirmed the appointment of Mr Paul Cronin as Designate Non-Executive Director of The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH).

Paul, who lives in Stanwardine in North Shropshire, has been the Chief Executive of Severn Hospice, a local charity that provides palliative and end-of-life care for adults in Telford and Wrekin, Shropshire north Powys and Ceredigion, since 2003.

Paul started his career in the NHS with Shropshire Health Authority 32 years ago and has held a variety of roles, including Chief Executive posts at the Cardiothoracic Centre - Liverpool NHS Trust, Wirral Health Authority and North Cheshire Hospitals.

While with Severn Hospice, Paul has led the development of Compassionate Communities across Shropshire and is passionate about citizens and organisations working together in partnership to provide support to the most frail and vulnerable in our communities.

Mr Cronin said: “Like most local families, over the years ours has needed to use the services of the hospital. On these occasions, the staff and volunteers have always treated us with kindness and professionalism, sometimes under very difficult circumstances.

“They should be proud of what they do and I am privileged to be given the opportunity to support them, in any way I can, in the next stage of the development of the Princess Royal and the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital”.

Peter Latchford OBE, Chair of SaTH, said: “I am delighted Paul is joining the Trust. He has a significant understanding of how to create an exemplary care environment and his knowledge will be fundamental to the day-to-day ambitions of the Trust.

“His high level of engagement with local communities, combined with his knowledge of themes that are increasingly important to SaTH’s future, mean he should bring an excellent contribution to our Board discussions.”

Non-executive appointments to NHS Trusts made by the NHS TDA are subject to the Code of Practice of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

Mr Cronin has been appointed from 1 November 2015 until October 31 2017 and is entitled to receive a remuneration of £6,157 per annum. He has declared no political activity in the last five years.

In other changes to the Trust Board this month, non-executive director Dennis Jones left the Trust on 31 October 2015. Mr Jones had been a non-executive director since October 2007.