Focusing on patient safety and delivering quality improvement are just some of the ambitions of a new Non-Executive Director at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (LUHFT).

Jackie Bird MBE has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director on LUHFT’s Board and has today started a six-month term of office, running until 14 October 2024.

The role of a Non-Executive Director is to provide leadership and to contribute to setting the strategic direction and culture of the Trust. Non-Executive Directors bring an independent lens, challenge and experience derived from other roles and sectors to the work of the Trust Board. 

Jackie BirdJackie has spent over 40 years working in the NHS. She retired from her role as Regional Chief Nurse for NHS England North West in March 2021, and prior to this held a number of senior nursing positions at acute trusts, including as Chief Nurse and Executive Director of Quality at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, where she led the Trust to be rated twice as an Outstanding organisation by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in 2016 and 2018.

She is currently a Non-Executive Director at Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust, a role held since 2022, and will continue in Non-Executive Director role across the two organisations.

Jackie said: “I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of LUHFT’s Board and join the organisation at a time where it is continuing to make significant improvements for its patients and the people of Liverpool.

“I am passionate about delivering quality improvement, with a focus on patient experience and outcomes. I hope to use the experience gained throughout my time in the NHS to support colleagues in continuing to make a real difference to the care we are able to provide our city and the wider community.”

David Flory, Chair of Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I am delighted to welcome Jackie to the Board. Jackie’s wealth of experience in the NHS is a huge asset to LUHFT and her expertise will be invaluable as we continue to deliver on improving the care we provide and tackling health inequalities.”