New role in Isle of Man for former boss of Wigan's hospitals

Wigan's former hospitals chief will play a key role in the transformation of a health and social care system as he takes on a new post.
Andrew FosterAndrew Foster
Andrew Foster

Andrew Foster, who was chief executive of Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust until last year, has been appointed as the first chairman of Manx Care.

The organisation has been created as the Isle of Man's Government works to transform the island’s health and social care system, which will include the creation of an arms-length delivery organisation for integrated health and social care services.

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Mr Foster was said to stand out among the applicants because of his extensive leadership and managing experience of significant change projects within the UK health and care sector.

He has worked in the UK health and care setting in both non-executive and executive roles, including a number of chief executive posts in NHS foundation trusts, and most recently he has taken on roles for NHS England, including as executive lead for leadership.

Mr Foster, who started his new role this week. said: "I have always been interested in the link between high-performing organisations and people management and see this role as an exciting and challenging use of my skills. I intend to use all my knowledge to deliver Manx Care to the people of the Isle of Man. I have mainly lived and worked across the North West of England in the healthcare arena so I look forward to working with the team on the island.’

David Ashford MHK, Minister for Health and Social Care, added: "I welcome Mr Foster to this new and exciting role. He is joining us as massive changes are unde rway and will help steer us through uncharted territory that ultimately will benefit the Manx population. I am confident we have chosen someone who will understand our people and environment and help us bring Manx Care to fruition."

Manx Care will come into full operation on April 1.