Southern Trust appoints Interim Chief Executive

He will take up the post on April 1, 2025, taking over from Acting Chief Executive Colm McCafferty.

Mr McCafferty been in post following the resignation of Dr Maria O'Kane to pursue other career opportunities.

Mr Spoerry has worked for the English NHS and associated commercial organisations since 1985. He is currently the interim chief executive of a small healthcare charity that serves the UK and Ireland. He spent most of last year as the chief executive of the Royal Free Hospital in London.

When he was chief executive of Trafford hospital it significantly improved clinical outcomes; this was recognised by gaining the national medium sized hospital of the year award.

He was also asked to assist England’s Department of Health make the case for increased funding for discharge from hospital because of the big improvements in the area for which he was responsible.

Eileen Mullan, Chair of the Southern Trust welcomed Mr Spoerry.

She said: “We are delighted that Steve will be joining the Southern Health and Social Care Trust team.

"He brings exceptional leadership experience having held numerous senior positions within the NHS including several chief executive roles. This level of expertise will be invaluable in helping us to address current issues as well as driving much needed reform. I am confident that under Steve’s direction we can build on our strengths and successes and further enhance the services we provide to our population”.

Mr Spoerry said: “I’m honoured to have been appointed to this role and I look forward to working with staff, patients, service users and partners at this challenging but exciting time for health and social care.

“I’ve already been hugely impressed by the work taking place in the Trust. It’s clear that dedicated staff teams take great pride in providing the highest standards of care to their patients and service users. I plan to build on this culture of quality and safety as we implement the Trust’s new vision and strategy.

"We will also always be mindful of our duty to deliver value for money”.