Published 7 September 2022
The Trust has appointed Simon Corben as a Non-executive Director (NED).
Simon Corben, the Director of NHS Estates and Facilities at NHS England has been appointed as a non-executive director on the East Kent Hospitals Board.
While continuing in his national role, at East Kent in a non-executive capacity he will act as the non-executive in common between the Trust Board and the Board of the Trust’s wholly-owned subsidiary 2gether Support Solutions.
Niall Dickson, who chairs the East Kent Hospitals Trust, said: “We are delighted to welcome Simon on to our Board. His experience and insight will be invaluable as we take forward our drive to take this Trust to Good and then Outstanding.
“We have many challenges, not least in terms of our estate and facilities, and Simon’s extensive knowledge and expertise will be a huge asset in this area and in others.
“He joins a strong team of non-executives determined to work with senior leaders across the organisation and in the wider system to transform the care we provide.”
Simon spent 16 years in the private sector, advising the NHS and leading a team of property, clinical planning consultants and analysts, before joining the public sector in May 2017 to lead the estates and facilities function across the NHS.
His work at NHS England included the Model Hospital System, a data-driven tool to improve patient outcomes which benchmarks quality of care, productivity and organisational culture to identify opportunities for improvement; the Health Infrastructure Programmes announced by the Prime Minister in 2019 and the NHS Estates response to the Covid-19 pandemic including the delivery of seven Nightingale hospitals and more than 3,500 critical care beds in a matter of weeks.
Simon said: “I am relishing the opportunity to join the Trust’s Board. I am looking forward to bringing fresh ideas and supporting the Trust to drive improvements in the quality and efficiency of its estate and facilities management, which has such an important role in the experience and outcomes for patients.
“I share the Trust’s commitment to people who use its services and the local communities we serve in east Kent.”
Non-executive appointments are made by the Trust’s Council of Governors. Lead Governor Bernie Mayall said: “Simon’s appointment as Non-executive Director is an excellent addition to our Board. Governors were impressed with Simon’s skills, experience and background and we look forward to welcoming and working with him.”
Simon joins the Trust on 1 October this year.
