Experienced NHS Chief Executive announces retirement
Chief Executive Tracy Bullock today announced she was retiring from her position at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM).
Tracy, who has worked at UHNM for more than five years and in the NHS for over 40 years has been open about her health challenges since being diagnosed with a long-term health condition 18 months ago.
In her message to UHNM colleagues Tracy said: “After considerable thought and with very mixed emotions, I have made the decision to take ill health retirement. Throughout my 14-year tenure as a Chief Executive I have always prided myself on my visibility and connection with staff. Some 18 months ago I was diagnosed with a long-term condition and the circumstances of my ill health now means I am unable to use this strength or to manage the demands of being a Chief Executive. I have always been resolute that if I cannot give 100 per cent then I will step aside.
“Since I started at UHNM I have been clear and vocal about what a great organisation it is and how coming to work here with you was the best career decision I ever made. Working alongside such dedicated individuals has been an honour and I am immensely proud to have been part of our UHNM family.”
UHNM Chairman David Wakefield said: “I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to an outstanding leader. Tracy has transformed UHNM, navigating us out of financial special measures, putting quality and caring at the heart of everything we do which has been recognised by the CQC, as well as supporting and driving improvements throughout what must be the NHS’s most challenging times, the Covid-19 pandemic.”
He added: “On a personal level I have loved working with Tracy. Her energy, commitment and openness underpinned a strong and effective board. Her ability to drive performance through engagement is notable and her sense of humour is always appreciated by everyone around her. I am saddened that we will be losing her and she will be sorely missed by everyone in the organisation. We all wish Tracy well in her retirement.”
Tracy will be staying with UHNM until the end of June 2024 to enable a recruitment process to take place and a seamless transition as a new chief executive is appointed.