Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust has appointed Sally Napper as non-executive director (NED) to its Trust Board.

A registered nurse, Sally brings considerable senior level clinical leadership NHS experience to the Trust that provides mental health, community and learning disability services across Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven.

Formerly an associate NED with the organisation, she takes up her new position as Carole Panteli retires from her NED and deputy chair roles.

Sally started in the NHS as a nurse at Great Ormond Street Hospital.  Her 38-year career includes operational director, and then chief operating officer and chief nurse, at Bradford Teaching Hospitals. In this role she led the hospitals ‘Patient First’ programme to improve patients’ experience across all services, and was the professional lead for nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals.

Sally’s executive-level experience also includes director of nursing for the Lancashire and South Cumbria for NHS England that oversees all NHS services, where she was responsible for the transforming care programme for people with learning disabilities.

Sally has also undertaken the role of chief executive and director of clinical services at Rotherham Hospice.

Commenting on her appointment, Sally Napper said: “I am delighted to be continuing my work with the Board as the Trust focuses on delivering its new three-year plan to support local communities.  Specifically, its continued focus on working with partners to deliver good quality services, whilst ensuring the most effective use of resources, and creating the best place to work for its staff.”

Barrister Simon Lewis will now become deputy Trust chair, alongside his non-executive director role on the Trust Bord.

Commenting on Sally’s appointment, Trust chair, Dr Linda Patterson, said: “I’m really pleased that Sally is continuing her involvement with our Board.  Her extensive clinical leadership experience across a number of organisations brings valuable insight to the

Board’s work, and particularly on providing the best services for our communities.  I’d like to thank Carole Panteli for her significant contribution to the Board whilst she has been with the Trust.”