New NHS chief’s pride

PENNINE Care NHS Foundation Trust has announced the appointment of a new chief executive to lead its community and mental-health services in Oldham and across Greater Manchester.

Michael McCourt, the trust’s existing director of operations and nursing, will take up the post from January 1, 2014.

Mr McCourt, who has worked for the NHS for nearly 30 years. He said: “I consider it a privilege to be given the opportunity to lead Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust.’

His appointment follows the resignation and retirement of John Archer who held the position until earlier this year following a seven-month investigation into his behaviour at work.