Nick Carver has today announced that he will retire at the end of this year after serving almost 19 years as chief executive of East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, and 42 years in the NHS.
Nick first joined the NHS as a hospital porter, then qualified as a registered nurse before moving into health service management. He joined East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust as chief executive in November 2002.
In his time as chief executive Nick has led the £150m major reconfiguration of hospital services in the trust, delivering better quality care and financial benefits to the local economy. He has overseen service and quality improvements leading to the trust performance on cancer being amongst the best in the country, and with amongst the lowest mortality rates. The trust is a regional specialist centre for renal medicine, and the lead provider in the Hertfordshire and West Essex Vascular Network.
Nick chaired the first regional Talent Board, and has been lead chief executive for the NHS graduate leadership schemes in East of England for over 10 years.
Nick will retire as chief executive in December and the Trust Board will now begin the process of appointing his successor.
Nick Carver said:
“It has been an immense privilege to have led the trust since 2002.
“Whilst there have been a number of memorable events during my time here, including the extensive redevelopment of the Lister Hospital and the rebuilding of Hertford County and New QEII hospitals, the last year has clearly been the most memorable of times.
“Although the pandemic has brought great sadness, it has been a time when our people have demonstrated amazing strength, resilience and compassion. They have shown that in the most extreme of circumstances the community can count upon the NHS.
“My commitment to the trust and to local people does not end today. Between now and the day of my departure the priority is to address the needs of the people we are here to serve.”
Ellen Schroder, chair of East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, said:
“On behalf of the board, I want to thank Nick for his vision, leadership and inspiration which has transformed healthcare for the residents of East and North Hertfordshire over the last 19 years.
“Nick’s commitment to the trust has been unwavering – he has been passionate about delivering the high-quality care for our communities, and developing and supporting our people to be the best that they can be.
“He has led the trust through major improvements, back to a strong financial position, and of course through the pandemic over the last year. We currently have our lowest vacancy rate ever, and are amongst the best in the country for meeting our cancer treatment targets.
“I am committed to recruiting a new chief executive who will continue to build on the legacy that Nick will leave.”
