Two new non-executive directors for NHS Trust

26 April 2001

The Secretary of State for Health, Alan Milburn MP, has appointed two new non-executive directors for West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust.

Professor Peter Richards, of Swaffham Bulbeck, near Cambridge, and John Cullum, of Bury St Edmunds, have been appointed from 1^st April until 31 October 2004.

Professor Richards has considerable NHS experience, having spent his working life as a hospital doctor with a special interest in clinical medical education.  He is currently President of Hughes Hall in the University of Cambridge and deputy chairman of the Professional Conduct Committee of the General Medical Council.

The West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust is developing as the base for the new Cambridge Graduate Course in Medicine to train more doctors for the NHS. Accordingly, it has required a non-executive director nominated by the University of Cambridge and Professor Richards is ideally qualified to fill this role.

“The opportunity to train doctors from diverse backgrounds through a partnership between all aspects of healthcare in and around Bury St Edmunds offers a new and highly appropriate model of medical education,” said Professor Richards.  “With all the pressures on the NHS it will not be easy. I shall be delighted to do whatever I can to help the Trust make the most of this opportunity.”

Mr Cullum recently retired as Deputy Chief Constable of Suffolk Constabulary, the second most senior police officer in the county.  With 36 years’ experience of working in public service, he has a solid understanding of the communities within Suffolk.  He has worked closely with the NHS in the past as a member of the Suffolk Drugs Action Team and the Suffolk Emergency Services Co-ordinating Committee.  In 1989 he was instrumental in raising over £10,000 for the West Suffolk Hospitals Scanner Appeal.

“My father recently spent several weeks in an intensive care unit, so sadly I have been able to observe the operation of the NHS at close hand,” said Mr Cullum.  It is a vital organisation with dedicated and passionate staff, and I am pleased to be able to contribute to the future success of the West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust.  “I am sure that my experience of identifying community needs, setting targets and monitoring performance will enable me to do so.”

Board Chairman Veronica Worrall said: “It is good to welcome Professor Richards and Mr Cullum onto the Board.  Both will bring a great deal of valuable experience with them, which I am sure will help us to make continued improvements to the service we provide for our patients.”

As non-executive directors both will receive a remuneration of £5,140 p.a. Neither have any declared political affiliations.