Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust is marking the departure of Alison Marshall, who steps down this week after six years as chair.
Alison joined the Trust in October 2019, just a few months before the Covid-19 pandemic began. Working alongside the executive team, she helped guide the organisation through the most challenging period in its history. She also played an integral role in shaping the Trust’s long-term direction, overseeing the development of the 2022/23-2024/25 strategy and, more recently, leading work on the new five-year strategy for 2025-2030.
As the first chair of the Great North Healthcare Alliance, a collaboration that brings together Gateshead Health, Newcastle Hospitals, Northumbria Healthcare and North Cumbria Integrated Care, Alison’s vision and leadership has been invaluable in helping establish closer collaboration across trusts in the region to benefit patients and staff. Alison’s work has included setting up new joint committees, overseeing an ambitious workplan, supporting the opening of a Community Diagnostic Centre at the Metrocentre and bringing together governors from all four trusts for the first time.
At Gateshead Health, Alison has championed innovation and improvement. During her tenure, the Trust invested in robotic technology and carried out its first robotic-assisted operations. We have welcomed international nurses and successfully recruited for all nursing vacancies. The Trust also achieved the number one ranking in the CQC national maternity patient survey and set out an ambition to become a Women’s Health Centre of Excellence, with the Northern Centre for Breast Research as a major milestone.
Alison has worked tirelessly to strengthen the Trust’s culture and values. This included embedding the clinical voice in decision-making, promoting a stronger speaking up culture, and celebrating success through the monthly Chair’s You’re a Star awards. Under her leadership, the Trust has built stronger local partnerships and was delighted to be shortlisted for the HSJ Trust of the Year award. Whilst not the winner of the award, the recognition of our commitment to the provision of outstanding patient care was a true reflection of the hard work of all of our staff.
Beyond Gateshead, Alison has taken a lead role chairing regular meetings of fellow foundation trust chairs across the region, ensuring collaboration and shared learning across organisations and championing Gateshead as a leading organisation.
Alison Marshall said: “It has been an honour to serve as chair of Gateshead Health. The past six years have brought both challenges and achievements, and I am proud of the way our colleagues have worked together with compassion, professionalism and determination. From responding to the pandemic to setting a clear vision for the future, this has been a period of real change and progress. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with so many talented people and I leave with great confidence in the Trust’s future.”
Dr Sean Fenwick, Acting Chief Executive of Gateshead Health, said: “Although I have only worked with Alison for a short time, it is clear to me how much she has given to Gateshead Health over the past six years.
“She has led with integrity and commitment through some of the most challenging times the NHS has faced, including the pandemic. Alison leaves behind a strong legacy, from strengthening our clinical voice to shaping our future strategy, and I know her contribution will continue to have a positive impact on the Trust for many years to come.
“On behalf of all our staff and partners, I want to thank Alison and wish her every success in the future.”
Looking ahead, Sir Paul Ennals will take up the role of chair in October. Sir Paul also chairs Newcastle Hospitals and Northumbria Healthcare as part the Great North Healthcare Alliance. He will be joined by Dr Gerry Morrow, who has been appointed as vice chair of Gateshead Health. We would like to thank Maggie Pavlou for her dedication to the vice chair role and look forward to continuing to work with Maggie in her capacity as a Non-Executive Director and role in QEF.
Sir Paul Ennals said: “I am delighted to be joining Gateshead Health as chair. The Trust has a strong reputation for the quality of its care and the commitment of its staff, and I look forward to working with colleagues, partners and our communities to build on the achievements of recent years.”