Former international business executive Charles Rogers has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director for the local NHS.

Mr Rogers, who lives in Bembridge, takes up his new office on 1st October 2008 and will serve until 30th September 2012.

A former seaman, he went on to have a career in management with BT (Marine) Ltd and Cable & Wireless, becoming Director of Cable & Wireless Plc’s operations in China and later became the Chief Executive and Commissioner of Yarmouth Harbour.

He has been a co-opted non-political member of the Island Council’s Scrutiny Committee since 2007 where he is the lead member for performance and a member of the Budget Enquiry Task Group.

He brings 25 years management experience to the local NHS and has particular skills and experience in strategic planning, change management and team building.

As a full voting member of the Isle of Wight NHS Primary Care Trust, he will play a key role in the crucial work of the local NHS to reduce health inequalities, improve health and both commission and provide high class services for Islanders and Island visitors.

He said: 

“I am very much looking forward to my new role which will give me the chance to apply my years of strategic business experience to the NHS.

“Not only is the NHS a vital service for all of us, it is also highly regarded and valued by people on the Island and is our second largest employer.  It has a crucial role to play and although it performs extremely well there is a very challenging agenda ahead and there is always room for improvement.  I look forward to playing my part in that.”

Another existing Non-Executive Director of the local NHS, Liz Mackenzie,
Has been reappointed until 30th September 2012. 

Liz, who lives in Northwood, has been a Non-Executive Director since the Primary Care Trust was formed in October 2006.  She has a background which includes nursing, marketing, public relations and communications and has also been a property developer and runs a cottage holiday business.

She said: 

“I have very much enjoyed my time as a Non-Executive Director so far and welcome the opportunity to continue making a contribution to the improved health and wellbeing of Island people.

“We start from a good position in the NHS locally but everyone working for and with the NHS on the Island is determined to take the service to another level and create one of the very best health systems in the country.  I relish that challenge.”

All Non-Executive appointments are made by the independent Appointments Commission on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.  However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity, if any, to be made public.  In the case of both Charles Rogers and Liz Mackenzie there is no political activity to report. Both Non-Executive Directors will receive an annual remuneration of £7,765.

The Chairman of NHS Isle of Wight, Danny Fisher, said:

“I am delighted to welcome Charles Rogers on board as a new Non-Executive and Liz Mackenzie back for her second term.

“I am sure both will make a big contribution to the work of the board as we enter arguably the most exciting and challenging period in the history of the NHS.

“Non-Executives in the NHS bring a different perspective and insight, together with essential skills developed outside the NHS.  That has been very valuable in the past and I am sure will continue to be so.  I have no doubt that Charles and Liz will be real assets for the local NHS.”