Press release: Thornton to leave the Confederation

06 Aug 2001

Stephen Thornton, chief executive of the NHS Confederation for the past four years is to leave the organisation to take up a new challenge as chief executive of PPP Healthcare Medical Trust, one of the UK's biggest healthcare grant-making charitable trusts.

Commenting on Mr Thornton's planned departure, chair of the Confederation, Dianne Jeffrey said, "under Stephen's leadership, the Confederation has gone from strength to strength. We are sorry to see him go and wish him well in his new career. We are now taking steps to find a new chief executive."

Commenting Stephen Thornton said, "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the NHS Confederation. During that time, it has grown in stature and influence. That is due, in no small measure, to the hard work and dedication of the staff and the support we have received from so many people across the NHS and beyond. There is much left to do and I will continue to watch the organisation with considerable interest and affection."

"One of the reasons I am looking forward to joining the Trust is the preparedness of the trustees to build a major independent strategic and policy influencing function. My experience at the Confederation will stand me in good stead."

Ends

Notes for editors

1. The NHS Confederation is the voice of NHS management. Our members include the majority of NHS trusts, primary care trusts and health authorities in England; trusts, health authorities and local health groups in Wales; trusts and health boards in Scotland; and health and social services trusts and boards in Northern Ireland.
2. Mr Thornton will take up his new position early in the New Year.
3. PPP Healthcare Medical Trust is one of the UK's largest grant-making charitable trusts operating in healthcare and the public health field. The sale of PPP Healthcare to the Guardian Royal Exchange Group in 1998 provided the Trust with some £540m. PPP Healthcare Medical Trust is now completely independent of AXA PPP Healthcare Ltd. A developing priority for the trust is to invest in people within healthcare and public health by supporting education and research programmes. It is a core priority of the trust that grants help bridge the gap between knowledge and healthcare practice.
   

Contact details

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