Walsall Chief to Step Down

Paul Jennings, Chief Executive of NHS Walsall, today announced his intention to step down from his post, to take up the equivalent role at NHS Warwickshire. He leaves after a period of nationally recognised success. It is anticipated that he will leave in early 2009.

Geoff Archenhold, Chairman of NHS Walsall, said today “Paul has given the most remarkable leadership to this organisation. He has taken it from what was on the verge of being a failing PCT to being consistently one of the top five in England. In his time Walsall became one of the very first places to guarantee patients no more than 18 weeks from referral to treatment, and the PCT is regarded as one of the very best places to work in the NHS.”

Paul Jennings said today: “It has been tremendously exciting and an enormous privilege to lead this organisation over the last four years. I am completely confident that the right team is now in place to make the most of new opportunities, and to offer the very best health service for the people of Walsall. I want to thank everyone I have worked with here in the borough, both within the NHS, and in our partner organisations, especially Walsall Council.”

Paul Sheehan, Walsall Council chief executive, said: “I have only worked with Paul for a relatively short time but have already appreciated his strong leadership of NHS Walsall in the borough and his role with the Local Strategic Partnership. He will be a hard act to follow and all in the Local Authority wish him well in his new post.”

Bryan Stoten, Chair of NHS Warwickshire, said today: “Paul Jennings is one of the most experienced and accomplished Chief Executives in the region. We are absolutely delighted that he is coming to Warwickshire to join our team.”

Peter Shanahan, Interim Chief Executive of NHS West Midlands, welcomed Paul's appointment.  "Paul brings great depth of knowledge, experience and a proven track record in the NHS.  I am delighted that I will be able to continue working with him in his new role in Warwickshire. 

"Under his leadership in Walsall, the Primary Care Trust has delivered improvements to the health of the population, financial stability and started to tackle the health inequalities that exist in its communities, one of the real challenges the modern NHS faces.

"His impressive achievements will be invaluable to driving forward the improvements the PCT in Warwickshire has been working hard to deliver for patients.  I am confident Paul can continue to develop opportunities for delivering caring and professional health services for local patients in Warwickshire".

Terry Robshaw, for the Walsall Hospice Appeal, said: “The construction of the Walsall Hospice which is going ahead right now is a direct result of Paul’s determination to see the borough’s long-held aspiration fulfilled. He leaves a permanent mark on the landscape.”

Paul Jennings (born, Birmingham, 1955) was educated at King Edward’s School, Birmingham, Birmingham University, and Mirfield Theological College, and subsequently Birmingham University (MSc – Healthcare Policy and Management). He was Chief Officer of Hodge Hill Primary Care Group 1998-2002, Chief Executive of North Birmingham Primary Care Trust 2002-05 and Chief Executive of Walsall Teaching Primary Care Trust, now NHS Walsall, 2004-2008.