Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust has appointed Dr Sean Fenwick as its substantive Chief Executive following a formal recruitment process.
Sean has served as Acting Chief Executive since August 2025 and will now take on the role permanently, continuing to lead Gateshead Health as the Trust works to provide excellent care for patients, support staff and strengthen services for local communities.
He brings more than 30 years of NHS experience, combining a clinical background as a consultant doctor specialising in kidney care with senior executive leadership across operations, governance and clinical transformation.
Having trained and worked as a clinician in the North East and beyond, Sean has extensive experience leading healthcare services across the region. Prior to joining Gateshead Health, he was Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Operations at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, where he was responsible for operational performance, service improvement, and partnership working.
Throughout his career, Sean has led complex clinical services and major programmes of organisational change, with a focus on quality, patient care and partnership working. Since joining Gateshead Health, he has provided strong and effective leadership for the organisation, maintaining momentum around the Trust’s priorities during a period of change for both the Trust and the wider NHS. During this time, he has supported continued progress on priorities including the expansion of diagnostic services at the Metrocentre Community Diagnostic Centre, development of neighbourhood healthcare within Gateshead and working with partners across the region, including through the Great North Healthcare Alliance, to improve care for local people.
Sir Paul Ennals, Chair of Gateshead Health, said:
“Sean has already made a significant contribution to Gateshead Health during his time as Acting Chief Executive, providing clear leadership and building strong relationships across the organisation and with partners.
“The Board has seen first-hand Sean’s leadership, values and commitment to Gateshead Health and was clear in its confidence that he is the right person to lead the organisation into its next chapter.
“We have clear priorities, strong partnerships and firm foundations to build on. Sean is well placed to continue driving this work forward as we improve services for local people and deliver our ambitions for the future.”
Dr Sean Fenwick, Chief Executive of Gateshead Health, said:
“I am proud to be appointed Chief Executive of Gateshead Health and to continue working alongside colleagues across the Trust.
“Over recent months, I have had the opportunity to spend time with teams across our services and have seen first-hand the professionalism, compassion and commitment of our staff. The care people provide every day, often in challenging circumstances, is something to be incredibly proud of.
“Gateshead Health is a strong organisation with talented people, clear ambitions and an important role within our communities and across the wider health and care system. We have important opportunities ahead and I am looking forward to continuing to work with colleagues, patients, partners and local communities as we continue to improve care and deliver the best possible services for the people we serve.”
The appointment follows an open recruitment process undertaken in line with NHS governance arrangements, involving staff, governors and Board colleagues.