Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust has appointed Professor Gerry Armitage as a non-executive director to the Trust Board.

He will take up the role on 1 October when non-executive director (NED), Nadira Mirza, steps down after serving two terms with the Trust.

Professor Armitage brings considerable senior-level experience to the role from the university sector and the National Health Service at local, regional and national levels, predominantly working in health professional education and health services research.

Most recently, he was Professor of Health Services Research at the University of Bradford, following a long-term collaboration with the Yorkshire Quality and Safety Research Group at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

He has also held senior research fellow and senior lecturer roles where he developed a specialist expertise in patient safety.  Professor Armitage is currently a Board member for Bradford and District Healthwatch, and is still involved in several research and development activities, with a continued focus on improving patient safety.  He is also a member of the Alzheimer’s Society Doctoral Training Centre at the University of Bradford.

Professor Armitage’s career started as a nurse, working in some of the North’s biggest teaching hospitals including Bradford Teaching Hospitals, Leeds General Infirmary, St James’s University Hospital and Manchester Royal Infirmary, primarily in acute childrens’ services.

On his appointment, Professor Armitage said: “I am flattered and excited to be joining the Trust. I have already met service users, senior managers and frontline clinical staff, and sense that there is a strong will to provide high quality care, to be both open and work collaboratively.  This is a challenging time for all involved in healthcare and I am determined to help the Trust to achieve its ambitious plans.”

The NED appointment follows an extensive search and selection process led by the Trust’s Council of Governors, and interviews with people who use the Trust’s services, so the patient perspective is reflected in the final decision.

Care Trust chair, Mike Smith, said: “I am delighted to welcome Gerry to the Trust Board. His considerable track record across senior research and advisory roles will further strengthen the Board.  His expertise brings valuable insight to our discussions and our work with others, across both Bradford and West Yorkshire, to ensure we’re providing outstanding care.”