Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust’s Chief Executive, Yvonne Ormston has announced her retirement and will be stepping down at the end of March 2023 after nearly 38 years of service in the NHS.
Yvonne began her career in 1985 as a Higher Clerical Officer, Community Services with Newcastle Health Authority working with people with learning disabilities. She has held a wide variety of roles across all sectors – acute, community, primary care, mental health, ambulance, commissioning and provider. Yvonne joined the Trust in 2005 as Executive Director of Strategy and Workforce and later became Deputy CEO. In 2018, she became CEO at North East Ambulance Service and successfully achieved a ‘Good’ rating from the CQC.
She was awarded an MBE in 2018 for services to health, won the North East Glass Slipper Outstanding Business Leader Award in 2019 and has featured in the HSJ top 50 CEO’s since 2018. She returned to the Trust in 2019 as CEO. She subsequently led the organisation through the pandemic as well as playing a leading role in coordinating the pathology services across the North East and North Cumbria.
Yvonne said: “I have been incredibly proud to be the CEO for Gateshead Health for the last three years. When I took the CEO role in 2019, I had no idea that any plans or aspirations I had for the Trust would be overtaken by the covid pandemic. Through this, our Executive Team, our leaders and staff have delivered phenomenal work that has gone into ensuring that we did our very best for Gateshead. I could not be prouder of everyone I work with and wanted to thank them for everything they have done.
“Whilst I’m sad to be leaving, having now set the new trust’s strategy, it feels the right time to be handing over to a new CEO for this next stage in our Trust’s development. We have an exciting future and a key part to play in the local health and social care system.”
Alison Marshall, chair for Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust said: “On behalf of everyone at Gateshead Health, I would like to recognise the phenomenal work that Yvonne has achieved here in Gateshead and for the NHS.
“She has successfully steered Gateshead Health through one of the most challenging times it has ever faced during the pandemic and has made sure that we’re constantly delivering the best possible care for our patients.
“I know everyone will join me in wishing her well.”
The recruitment process for a new chief executive has now begun with a handover planned for early next year.