The Chief Executive of the University Hospitals of North Midlands Trust (UHNM) has announced she is retiring from her position.
Tracy Bullock has worked at UHNM for more than five years and in the NHS for over 40 years but was diagnosed with a long-term health condition 18 months ago, which she has said has led to her making the decision to retire.
In a message to UHNM colleagues, she said: “After considerable thought and with very mixed emotions, I have made the decision to take ill health retirement.
“Throughout my 14-year tenure as a Chief Executive I have always prided myself on my visibility and connection with staff.
“Some 18 months ago I was diagnosed with a long-term condition and the circumstances of my ill health now means I am unable to use this strength or to manage the demands of being a Chief Executive.
“I have always been resolute that if I cannot give 100 per cent then I will step aside.”
She added: “Since I started at UHNM I have been clear and vocal about what a great organisation it is and how coming to work here with you was the best career decision I ever made.
“Working alongside such dedicated individuals has been an honour and I am immensely proud to have been part of our UHNM family.”
UHNM Chairman David Wakefield said: “I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to an outstanding leader. Tracy has transformed UHNM, navigating us out of financial special measures, putting quality and caring at the heart of everything we do which has been recognised by the CQC, as well as supporting and driving improvements throughout what must be the NHS’s most challenging times, the Covid-19 pandemic.”
He added: “On a personal level I have loved working with Tracy. Her energy, commitment and openness underpinned a strong and effective board. Her ability to drive performance through engagement is notable and her sense of humour is always appreciated by everyone around her. I am saddened that we will be losing her and she will be sorely missed by everyone in the organisation. We all wish Tracy well in her retirement.”
Tracy qualified as a nurse in 1987 at Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust and worked there for 18 years progressing through roles of increasing responsibility leading to the job of Directorate Business Manager.
During this time and until 2019, Tracy held a seconded role undertaking investigations and reviews for the Commission for Health Improvement, the Healthcare Commission and more latterly the Care Quality Commission.
Wishing Tracey Bullock a long and satisfying retirement. She will be hugely missed. I had the privilege of serving as a Governor whilst she was CEO of MCHFT where she was a force of nature, raising standards and patient experience, and much respected as a leader and colleague, just as described above.