This afternoon, Wednesday, the trust has revealed that Andy Carter has been appointed to lead the board of directors following a ‘robust and competitive’ recruitment protest.
Mr Carter served as MP for the Warrington South constituency from 2019 to 2024 where he failed in his long-term campaign to get the Government to build a new hospital in the town.
His political career also saw him serve as parliamentary private secretary in the Department of Work and Pensions and in the Department for Transport, as well as being a member of the Justice Select Committee.
Prior to becoming an MP, Mr Carter had a highly successful career in commercial broadcast media management, followed by a consultancy role working with major high street brands.
Mr Carter will join the organisation in January 2026 as associate non-executive director and chair designate.
From April 1, he will take up the role of chair, replacing Professor Steve McGuirk whose final term comes to an end in March next year after having served the trust for more than a decade.
Andy Carter (Image: Supplied)
Speaking of his appointment, Mr Carter said he will continue to push for fit for purpose hospitals and an urgent treatment centre in Warrington.
He said: “I am enormously grateful for everything the NHS delivers across Warrington, Halton and beyond, and I feel deeply honoured to have the opportunity to work alongside the thousands of dedicated staff and partner organisations.
“I am looking forward to leading the board of directors and the council of governors as we not only meet the challenges of today but also seize emerging opportunities – delivering the best possible outcomes for our patients, our NHS colleagues, and the communities our trust is proud to serve.
“I look forward to joining the trust at a pivotal time, as hospital and community services are brought together into one organisation and as we focus on delivering the ambitions set out in the NHS 10 Year Health Plan.”
Sue Fitzpatrick, lead governor at WHH, said: “I am delighted to welcome Andy to Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals. He impressed at interview with his strong values, aligned with our own, and his commitment to improving the lives of people locally. He will be a great asset to the trust, championing our staff and patients.
“I would also like to thank our outgoing chair, Steve McGuirk, for his outstanding leadership over so many years. Throughout that time, he has served the people of Warrington and Halton well and we wish him all the best for the next chapter of his lifelong career in public service.”