Retiring NHS boss reflects on her time in charge of Torbay Hospital
Liz Davenport has spent 40 years with the NHS
Last updated 27th Dec 2024
Anyone with symptoms of flu or the winter vomiting bug is being asked to stay away from Devon's hospitals - unless its an emergency.
NHS bosses also urging people to use minor injuries units where possible.
It comes as after 40 years with the NHS, Liz Davenport - the boss of Torbay and South Devon's NHS - is preparing to retire.
She said: "It has been a real privilege to work alongside so many dedicated, talented and compassionate people throughout my career.
“It has been an honour to lead Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust for the past six years and I am hugely proud of the achievements of our teams and their commitment to compassionate care and integrated working.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone of my colleagues for their dedication and commitment and also thank our volunteers, partners and the people of Torbay and South Devon for their kindness and support during my tenure.”
Liz has been Chief Executive for six years, starting her occupational therapist training in 1983.
The NHS trust's Chair Professor Chris Balch, said: “Liz has been a tremendous Chief Executive for Torbay and South Devon, working tirelessly to deliver our vision of better health and care for all.
“She joined us in time to lead the implementation of our pioneering integrated care model, bringing together adult social care, community and acute services – work which has built our reputation both nationally and internationally and, more importantly, led to better experiences and outcomes for our people and communities.
“She has led us through the pandemic and its aftermath with compassion and courage. Her passion for service improvement and commitment to partnership working has benefited not only our organisation but the wider health and care system.
"She has made a significant contribution to the development of system working as the provider representative on the Devon Integrated Care Board and as senior responsible officer for the Peninsula Acute Sustainability Programme she has set the direction for increased collaboration in the provision of acute services across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
Joe Teape, who lives in Devon, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive for Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust and will join in early March 2025.
He said: “I feel very privileged to be appointed as Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust’s new Chief Executive. I will work tirelessly with our people and communities to ensure the population we serve have the very best health and care that we can deliver."
Chair, Professor Chris Balch, added: “I am pleased to confirm Joe as our new Chief Executive. He brings with him a passion for engaging with people and communities which will really help us deliver our vision for better health and care. Joe’s expertise in finance and strategy aligned with his leadership skills will directly shape our future locally and within the wider health and care system."