Old hands to steer NHS into the future

NHS Oldham has welcomed back a pair of old hands to help the organisation meet current and future challenges.

Sue Howard and Peter Dean have been reappointed to the board by the Appointments Commission.

Sue Howard (58) from Shaw, worked as a health visitor and district nurse in Oldham and Rochdale before becoming a lecturer in community care. The mother of two said: “I am delighted to have been reappointed. I have always been particularly interested in services coming together so that patients do not need to go to many different places or see many different people for advice or treatment.

“NHS Oldham has and is continuing to undertake a tremendous amount of work in this area and I am really keen to continue to be involved.”

Peter Dean has been a councillor for 30 years and currently represents Failsworth.

The father-of-four, from Royton, is also an adviser to Oldham West and Royton MP Michael Meacher.

He has been a non-executive director and vice chair with the NHS Oldham board since the primary care trust was created in 2002.

He said: “I have wanted to continue supporting NHS Oldham since 2002 because I feel it’s an organisation which is making a tremendous contribution to the borough and making a real difference to people’s lives.

“I am keen to continue to play a part in the major developments in health in Oldham.”

Riaz Ahmad, chairman of NHS Oldham, said: “Peter and Sue’s skills and their continued commitment to helping improve local people’s lives and health, will, I am sure help us move forwards with all the challenges ahead.”

Sue Howard and Peter Dean are appointed for a four-year term from October 1 to September 30, 2013. Both have served two previous terms of office.