Posted on: 23 May 2025
This week’s leadership message is a vlog from Cathy Elliott, Chair of NHS West Yorkshire ICB, who is leaving West Yorkshire on 31 May to take up her new role as chief executive of NHS Cheshire and Merseyside ICB.
We would like to thank Cathy for all her support and leadership across West Yorkshire over the last three years.
What else has been happening this week?
Appointment of Acting Chair, NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB)
NHS England has confirmed its support for Professor Nadira Mirza to be the ICB’s Acting Chair for a period of six months from 1 June 2025. This follows an expression of interest process with eligible Board members and the departure of the ICB’s current chair, Cathy Elliot.
NHS England asked the ICB Board to confirm its approval of this appointment so arrangements can be put in place from 1 June 2025, and the Board have supported the appointment.
The ICB is very grateful that Nadira has stepped forward to fill this role at this time. The acting arrangement has been put in place as the substantive appointment process for the new ICB Chair was paused by NHS England. It is their appointment and will be picked up again when the impact of the changes to NHSs is clearer.
Nadira joined the Board of the ICB in November 2024 as Non-Executive Member for Citizens and Future Generations. Nadira has over 25 years of leadership experience in health and education, championing equity, inclusion and social justice. She has made a significant contribution to the Board, the wider organisation and the system since she joined us.
Nadira said,
“I am pleased to have been appointed to the role of Acting Chair for NHS West Yorkshire ICB.
“So much great work has taken place, and continues to take place, across West Yorkshire. I am delighted to be able to continue Cathy’s great work as chair.
“The next six months will be a very challenging time for the ICB, the wider West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership and indeed the wider NHS. I am determined to work with the Board, wider partners and our local communities to respond to the 10 Year Health Plan, using the rich and diverse insight we received.
“I look forward to working with you all as we continue to put people at the heart of our decisions."
Nadira will take up her role as Acting Chair of the ICB officially from 1 June 2025. She will continue with her existing responsibilities as Non-Executive Member for Citizens and Future Generations, working closely with the whole Non-Executive team to support the ICB.
ICB organisational change update
The latest update for partners on the ICB organisational change programme is on our ICB website.
Endoscopy service achieves accreditation success
The Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust is delighted to have its accreditation from the Royal College of Physicians’ Joint Advisory Group on GI Endoscopy (JAG) renewed for another year.
The JAG accreditation provides independent and impartial recognition that a gastrointestinal endoscopy service demonstrates the highest standards of best practice in endoscopy. It was awarded to the trust for its high-quality services at all three of its hospital sites after a significant and in-depth annual review. Read more on the trust website.
Dying Matters Week (5 to 11 May)
This year’s Dying Matters Awareness Week (5 to 11 May 2025) sparked a wide range of events across West Yorkshire to encourage open and honest dialogue about death, dying and bereavement. The campaign focused on one unifying message: while traditions may differ, grief and loss are universal - and compassion is key. See our news pages for more information.
Sue Ryder connects with local communities during Dying Matters Week
As part of Dying Matters Awareness Week (5 to 11 May 2025), Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice hosted a week of impactful events across West Yorkshire. The events encouraged people to have open and honest conversations about death, dying and bereavement.
With this year’s theme, the Culture of Dying Matters, the hospice team talked with people in a variety of community settings, each one helping to break down the stigma surrounding end-of-life conversations.
Through educational sessions, community engagement stalls and hosting hospice visits, the team connected with a wide range of people from a wide range of communities. The week included a number of diverse activities, from teaching sessions for healthcare professionals focused on inclusion in end-of-life care, to information stalls at Airedale Hospital. Members of the Sue Ryder team hosted a special session at the hospice for service users from People First, a user-led self-advocacy organisation for and run by people with learning disabilities.
For more information on Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice and the support available, visit sueryder.org/manorlands
Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust celebrates National Children’s Day by putting young voices at the heart of care
Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust celebrated National Children’s Day (Sunday 18 May) by recognising the importance of children and young people being heard, valued and actively involved in shaping the healthcare services they use.
Across Pinderfields, Pontefract and Dewsbury hospitals, as well as in community services, the trust cares for thousands of children and young people every year. The experiences, feedback and voices of those children and young people are vital in helping to make service improvements.
This year, the trust is highlighting the voices of young patients like 13-year-old Eddie Coppinger. Eddie spent time at Pinderfields Hospital last weekend after breaking his wrist following what was described as a ‘heroic clearance of the ball’ during a football match.
Read the full story on the Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust website.
Blog: my stroke experience – Professor Bruce Yardley, part 1: receiving a stroke diagnosis
Bruce is a retired Professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Leeds. In September 2020, he suffered a stroke. Five years on, he is now an active member of the West Yorkshire Integrated Stroke Delivery Network (ISDN) Life After Stroke (LAS) Co-production Group. The group consists of stroke survivors, carers, voluntary and community organisation representatives, and NHS professionals, working together to improve experiences and outcomes for people following a stroke.
Bruce has documented his experience. From his initial stroke, his treatment, through to his recovery. In a series of three blogs, we will share Bruce’s experience, with the hope that it inspires fellow stroke survivors on their journey to recovery.