Changes afoot at top level of NHS Torbay and South Devon

Following a competitive recruitment process, Torbay and South Devon NHS Trust have appointed Nicola McMinn and Mark Brice as the new Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Finance Officer posts respectively.

Both have been in post as interims for the past year.

Nicola McMinn, Chief Nurse, said “I am delighted to be able to continue to work alongside our dedicated teams and services in a permanent capacity. 

“My prime focus for the next six months, as well as professionally leading us through a safe winter, is to put the experience of people who use our services across adult social care, community and acute at the heart of everything we do and to use their insight to improve and innovate for our today and everyone’s tomorrow.”

Mark Brice, Chief Finance Officer, said, “I am very proud to become a permanent member of our Torbay and South Devon family.

“Since I joined last year, I have been so impressed by our talented, dedicated and compassionate people and teams and I am very much looking forward to continuing to work to help deliver financial sustainability for Torbay and South Devon, and the best possible care for people who use our services.”

Liz Davenport, Chief Executive, said: “I am pleased and proud that we will continue to benefit from Nicola and Mark’s expertise and leadership. Both are deeply committed to their respective professions and specialisms, our vision for better health and care and our compassionate leadership approach. 

“They will continue to play a key role in leading us to deliver best value and continue to transform our clinical services so that they meet the needs of our people and communities now and in the future.”

The new appointments come just after Chief Executive, Liz Davenport announced that she planned to retire from the NHS at the end of this year.

Liz has been Chief Executive for six years and has worked for the NHS for more than 40 years, starting her occupational therapist training in 1983. 

Trust Chair, Professor Chris Balch, said: “Liz has been a tremendous Chief Executive for Torbay and South Devon, working tirelessly to deliver our vision of better health and care for all.

“She joined us in time to lead the implementation of our pioneering integrated care model, bringing together adult social care, community and acute services – work which has built our reputation both nationally and internationally and, more importantly, led to better experiences and outcomes for our people and communities.”

Announcing her retirement, Liz said: “After 40 years in the NHS, I have decided that the time is right for me to retire. It has been a real privilege to work alongside so many dedicated, talented and compassionate people throughout my career.

“It has been an honour to lead Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust for the past six years and I am hugely proud of the achievements of our teams and their commitment to compassionate care and integrated working.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone of my colleagues for their dedication and commitment and also thank our volunteers, partners and the people of Torbay and South Devon for their kindness and support during my tenure.”

Liz will retire in December 2024. The recruitment process for a new Chief Executive will begin shortly.