Three Norfolk hospitals make first combined appointment amid major NHS shake-up

A major NHS shake-up which will see Norfolk's three main hospitals effectively merge has made its first appointment. Mark Friend has been named chairman of the newly-formed Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group - the shared decision-making body of the Norfolk and Norwich, James Paget and Queen Elizabeth hospitals. Currently chairman of the James Paget in Gorleston, Mr Friend will become the first person to simultaneously chair all three hospitals.

Mark Friend, chairman of the Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group (Image: Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group) His appointment is the first step following the announcement of the effective merger, which will see the hospitals also share a chief executive and board of directors. And one of his first tasks will be to formally appoint a chief executive officer for the sites. He said: "It is a privilege to be starting as interim group chairman at a pivotal time and I'm excited to work with the leadership teams, getting to know staff across all three trusts and engaging with local communities across Norfolk and Waveney.



"We can build on the existing strengths of the three trusts to make a real difference in health outcomes and realise the opportunities that all three trusts share to make a real difference to the communities we serve." Tracey Bleakley, chief executive of the NHS Norfolk and Waveney integrated care board, said: "I want congratulate Mark on his appointment. I know he will do a brilliant job.

"This is a really important point in the process, which will ultimately help us to tackle waiting lists and ensure people can be treated quickly in an emergency, while also improving efficiency and delivering better value for money." Mr Field has been chairman and a non-executive director of the Gorleston hospital since October 2023. It is expected that the three hospitals will have fully transitioned into the group model - which will also see each site having an executive managing director who will sit on the group board - by October 2025.

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