Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust has announced the appointment of Debra Gilderdale as the Director of Operations and Nursing on the Trust Board.

Currently Deputy Director of Mental Health Acute and Community Services, Debra has been interim Director of Operations and Nursing following Simon Large’s retirement in August 2016, who was succeeded by Nicola Lees in November 2016.

Bringing a wealth of experience to her position on the Board, Debra Gilderdale has been appointed following a robust selection process. With a nursing background, Debra has spent more than 30 years in the NHS.   Debra has experience in multiple senior operational roles within the NHS and her key strengths lie in strong operational management and nursing. Debra has successfully led teams through a number of complex high profile changes and service for the Trust, and has a national reputation and profile for leading change in acute and crisis care, including the development of First Response, which offers mental health crisis support 24 hours a day, seven days a week to vulnerable people needing urgent crisis support.  The service has been cited as an example of best practice alongside the national five year forward view mental health taskforce report – published by NHS England.

On her appointment, Debra Gilderdale said: “I am delighted to be appointed as the Director of Operations and Nursing.   I am passionate about delivering high quality care for local people, whilst working with key partners to transform and improve services.   It is a privilege to work for the Trust and be part of an organisation that strives to provide quality services, innovation and best practice for people in our diverse communities.”

Michael Smith, Chair said:  “The Trust is delighted to appoint Debra Gilderdale to the Board. Debra brings extensive knowledge and experience to our organisation, and will continue to provide expertise that is central to helping the Trust achieve its objectives to deliver high quality mental and physical health services for the people we serve.”