Professor Dean Fathers, Chair of Nottinghamshire Healthcare, one of England’s leading mental health, learning disability and community service providers, has been appointed to the Mental Health Network Board, following a recent election.
The role is for a period of three years. The Mental Health Network provides support to all organisations involved in delivering mental health services. The appointment was announced at the Mental Health Network AGM on 7 July at the NHS Confederation conference in Manchester.
Dean joined Nottinghamshire Healthcare in January 2011and has a wealth of experience in a range of organisations; from blue-chips in the private sector and national Government Departments / Agencies, to medium sized private, entrepreneurial companies. He is an accomplished Director, having held numerous executive and non executive board positions and also has international experience as an organisational change leader, working in many diverse industry sectors. Dean is also Chair and Director of the Centre for Better Managed Health and Social Care at City University, London.
He commented: “I am delighted to have been elected to sit on the Mental Health Network Board. As Chair of an important integrated healthcare provider I have a good perspective on what is happening at grass roots level and I hope to be able to champion mental health through this role.”
The Mental Health Network is part of the NHS Confederation, an independent membership organisation that represents all types of providers and commissioners of NHS services in England. It speaks for the whole of the NHS on issues that matter to all those involved in healthcare. It also reflects the diverse views of the different parts of the healthcare system.
The Confederation is important in influencinghealthcare policy and providing a strong voice for healthcare leaders on issues of shared concern. It helps members and those working in healthcare to make senseof the whole health and social care system. It brings people togetherfrom across health and social care to help tackle the issues that matter most to its members, patients and the public.
Mental Health Network Chair Shaun Clee said: "I am delighted that Dean is joining us, the next few years represent significant opportunities and challenges for the Mental Health Network. Dean's experience in a range of organisations, from blue-chips in the private sector and national Government Departments / Agencies, to medium sized private, entrepreneurial companies will be a real asset and I look forward to working together to ensure that the Mental Health Network goes from strength to strength."
