John retires after 28 years in the NHS

PROFESSOR John Knibbs, non-executive director with Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Northamptonshire's longest-serving non-executive member, retired on July 31 after 28 years in the NHS.

John started as a Member of the Kettering and District Health Authority in April 1982, which spilt to become Kettering General Hospital Trust and Rockingham Forest NHS Trust in 1993

John continued as Vice-chairman of Rockingham Forest NHS Trust until the merger with Northampton Community Healthcare NHS Trust in April 2001, when Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Trust was formed.

John was appointed Vice-Chairman of Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Trust and remained in this role for eight years. He recently saw the trust become authorised as a foundation trust on 1 May 2009.

John's term of office comes to an end on July 31, and he stands down as a non-executive director.

During his 28 years, John has seen many changes in the NHS and has overseen changes at Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust...

What have been the highlights of the last 28 years?
"There have been many memorable moments for me over the years. Being part of setting up countywide mental health services with the creation of Northamptonshire Healthcare, and signing the agreements for the new Berrywood Hospital were both big highlights.

"An earlier highlight for me was signing the agreement for "Extracare" at Cransley Hospice. I felt very privileged to be asked to undertake this important signing for the county.

"Of course the most recent highlights for me were Northamptonshire Healthcare's authorisation as a foundation trust and being nominated for an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours. I have been a Vice-Chairman since 1994 and feel very honoured to receive this award. My family are also looking forward to sharing the experience with me."

What have you particularly enjoyed in your position as Vice-Chairman?
"I have enjoyed the interaction with a wide range of people over the years, particularly with trust staff, stakeholders and councillors."

What have been the big challenges during your time at Northamptonshire Healthcare?
"I think the main challenge over the years has been coping with organisational change. The move to foundation trust status was extremely challenging but rewarding when the trust received authorisation from Monitor - especially being recognised by Monitor as the most improved trust during the application process.

"I am sure that Monitor will continue to challenge the trust, but I am confident that the Board will keep driving the trust forward and achieve those challenges."

What do you wish for Northamptonshire Healthcare in the future?
"I wish the trust continued success in delivering its business plan and it's goal to become a 'provider of choice'."

What will you miss the most?
"I am going to miss the social interaction and the people the most. During the years I have met a lot of people and many members of staff who are always striving to deliver the best quality of care and service for patients and service users."

What are your plans for the future?
"My immediate plan is to celebrate my birthday with all my family round me, and to catch up on things I haven't had time for.

"I need to remember what it feels like to be retired. I retired from full-time work in 1993 and have been in a non-executive role since 1982, so to suddenly find that I won't need to get up to go to work will feel a little strange.

"I have also stopped many other commitments so I can focus on being retired and spending time with my family, though I will be continuing with one voluntary commitment which is my involvement in the Kettering Old Grammar School Foundation, which supports gifted and talented young people.

"All in all, I am very much looking forward to spending more time with my wife and family, and to having extra time to work Greta, my wife on our favourite hobby, which is family history."