The Western Health and Social Care Trust has announced the appointment of Neil Guckian to the role of Chief Executive at their Trust Board meeting on May 7.

Mr Guckian, who is the current Director of Finance and Contracting with the Western Trust, is due to take up his new role on July 1, 2021 when current Chief Executive, Dr Anne Kilgallen steps down after four years in charge.

Announcing Mr Guckian’s appointment Western Trust Chair, Mr Sam Pollock, said: “We are extremely pleased to be able to announce the appointment of Neil to the role of Chief Executive with the Western Trust.

“Neil is an outstanding candidate and is an individual we know well through his sterling work as the Western Trust’s Director of Finance and Contracting for almost two years. 

“We believe he will build upon the excellent work of our current Chief Executive, whilst developing and implementing his own course over the years ahead.”

Praising the contribution of outgoing Chief Executive, Dr Kilgallen, Mr Pollock said: “We would also like to take the opportunity to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to Dr Kilgallen for her dedication, drive and vision which has helped shape every aspect of our organisation throughout her successful tenure.

“From day one Anne consistently operated in her role as Chief Executive of the Western Trust by leading from the front. Her leadership, human touch and strategic vision has helped steer the Trust through some of the most difficult times faced by our health and social care in living memory. 

“She leaves the Western Trust stronger for her endeavours, and for that we are extremely grateful to her.”

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Guckian said: “I am extremely honoured to have been appointed to the post of Chief Executive of the Western Health and Social Care Trust.

“Anne has led the Western Trust admirably over the course of the last few years and I am looking forward to building on the strong foundations she has put in place within the Trust.

“Undoubtedly, the Western Trust, like all other Trusts, has faced a very difficult and challenging time over the past 18 months, which has been acutely difficult for both patients and staff.

“We can be certain that the months and years ahead will bring with them their own set of challenges as we move out of the pandemic phase and into the new post Covid-19 world. To be best positioned to meet these challenges we, as a Trust, must be at the forefront of innovative and transformative care.

“Regardless of what lies ahead, as Chief Executive you can be assured that my focus will remain firmly fixed on the health and wellbeing of our staff and on the improvement of the quality of care and outcomes for the people served by the Western Trust.”

Commenting on the appointment of her successor, outgoing Chief Executive Dr Anne Killgallen said: “I am very pleased that Neil has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the Western Trust. I have worked closely with him over the past number of years and hold him in the highest regard.

“Given Neil’s expertise and leadership he will provide a timely and high-quality response to the challenges faced within the Health and Care Sector and I am confident that he will continue to lead the organisation in pursuit of its ambition to provide excellent care for our population.”