Announcement of joint chief executive arrangements
As plans to integrate both organisations are progressing well, the earlier announcement this summer that Nikhil Khashu would become the new chief executive of WHH now extends to BCH.
Nik will start in post across both organisations on 1 November 2024. Joining the trusts on a two-year interim basis, Nik will be seconded from NHS England’s North West regional team, where he has been Director of Finance since April 2022. More recently, Nik has been working nationally as NHS England’s Deputy Chief Finance Officer. His previous experience includes executive director roles at provider organisations Calderstones and St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals.
Nik succeeded in a rigorous and competitive recruitment process to become WHH’s chief executive in May, where Bridgewater was represented on the interview panel and played a key part in his appointment. From a very strong field of candidates, Nik’s unwavering focus on quality, patient care and staff experience shone through. Having lived in Warrington for 20 years, Nik demonstrated a very personal connection to the area and to our community and hospital services.
Speaking about the opportunity to lead both organisations, Nik said:
“It is a great privilege to have been appointed joint chief executive of Bridgewater Community Healthcare and Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals.
“Both organisations provide excellent care to the many thousands of people across Warrington, Halton and beyond. They share a joint commitment and ambition to further progress health and care services within home, community and hospital settings.
“It is my ambition for us to continue improving these services and provide better care together for our patients and families.”
Nik’s joint appointment was formally agreed at a BCH Council of Governors meeting on Wednesday (16 October).
Karen Bliss is the Chair of Bridgewater. She’s looking forward to Nik starting in the coming weeks: “Bridgewater has a much-deserved reputation for delivering high quality community services to the people of Warrington, Halton and further afield. “Nik’s appointment as joint chief executive of our two organisations underlines our shared ambition to improve services within the communities we proudly serve. “This is an excellent appointment and one we are delighted to now formally confirm.”
Steve McGuirk, Chair of WHH, added: “I’m confident that Nik’s background and leadership style will be a huge asset to both organisations, as well as to the wider health and care system. “This is important as we navigate what will undoubtedly continue to be challenging years ahead across the NHS, and as we integrate our organisations.”
