Published Thursday 11 July 2019 at 15:54
Blackburn with Darwen Council has today congratulated the authority’s previous Chief Executive on his appointment as East Lancashire Hospital’s Trust’s newest Associate Non-Executive Director.
Harry Catherall will bring the wealth of knowledge he has accumulated over his 40-year career working in the public sector to give something back to the community he has passionately served over the decades.
The Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Councillor Mohammed Khan OBE, said:
Harry’s experience, expertise and leadership abilities will be put to good use in this important role. He cares deeply about this borough and I’m very pleased he’s going to be contributing to vital partnership work which directly impacts on the communities we serve. Maintaining high quality and safe services is something we all know make a huge difference to people.
Harry began his career as an apprentice accountant at Tameside Borough Council aged 16, moved into management at Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, joining Blackburn with Darwen Council in 1997 as it prepared to be a unitary council. He was the Chief Executive from 2012 until his retirement earlier this year.
Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Chief Executive and former colleague, Denise Park, wished Harry all the best in his new role.
Mrs Park added:
I’m very much looking forward to continuing building on the excellent partnerships between the Council and its partners. I know first-hand that Harry will bring a wealth of experience and challenge to ensure people get the very best services that they deserve.
Professor Eileen Fairhurst, Chairman of East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust said:
Harry brings unrivalled knowledge and a wealth of leadership experience that will prove invaluable as the Trust responds to the significant operational and financial challenges facing NHS organisations and our social care partners.
Harry took up his new appointment for an initial period of two years, commencing 1 July 2019.
Harry Catherall, the former Chief Executive of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said:
Throughout my career I’ve working closely with health and social care services and have seen the massive impact that excellent, joined up services can have on people’s quality of life.
We see far too many people in East Lancashire being held back from living the life that they deserve due to poor health.
We are all rightly proud of our NHS services and want them to be the very best. I feel extremely privileged to be part of the ambitious plans for the future of our local services.