Kevin McGee, Chief Executive of Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, has today announced that he is to retire from the NHS following 38 years of service.
He has had held numerous leadership roles within the NHS many of which have been in the Lancashire and South Cumbria (LSC) health system and has played a key role in the set-up of the LSC Provider Collaborative of which he is the lead Chief Executive. His contribution to health services was recognised in the late Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2021, during which he was awarded an OBE.
Kevin said: “Being part of the NHS family for all these years has been an absolute privilege and I consider myself extremely fortunate to have worked with so many talented people who have chosen to make patient care their life’s work.
“Lancashire Teaching Hospitals plays a pivotal role in the local health system and I am exceptionally pleased that funding has now been secured for new hospitals for Preston and Lancaster as part of the New Hospitals Programme. Reaching this important milestone is an ideal time to pass the baton on to someone who can commit the next five years or so to bringing these exciting plans to fruition.
“Healthcare is my passion, so I am delighted that I will be staying in this sector and taking up the role of Director General for Healthcare for the Gibraltar Health Authority.
“I would like to thank all staff at my own trust and within the surrounding system, as well as our partners and communities, for their unwavering support of both me personally and their local NHS.”
Professor Paul O’Neill, Acting Chair for Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, said: “Kevin has been a fabulous Chief Executive, providing wise counsel and strong leadership to the Trust as we strive to reduce waiting lists and improve patient experience following the pandemic.
“His experience of system working has been of huge benefit and in addition to his important contribution to the New Hospitals Programme, during his time here he has attracted significant investment to our facilities including new theatres at both Preston and Chorley, the Nightingale Hub and improved surgical and medical assessment areas all of which have or will have a tangible effect on patient experience.
“I know I speak for the entire Board when I say we wish to thank him for all that he has done for the NHS and wish him all the very best in the next stage of his life and career.”
David Flory, Chair of the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, said: “Having known and worked with Kevin for many years, I believe he ranks amongst the top Chief Executives in terms of his knowledge, vision and commitment to the communities he serves and is a very well respected leader within the NHS community.
“He has been instrumental in setting up the local Provider Collaborative and has laid down strong foundations for others to now build on. So whilst he is a loss to the NHS, he will be leaving behind a strong legacy in Lancashire and South Cumbria, as well as many friends who will no doubt be keeping in touch in the years ahead.”
