SHEENA Cumiskey MBE has been appointed Mersey Care’s new Chair by the Council of Governors, subject to employment checks. She is expected to take up her role in July and succeeds David Fillingham CBE, who was appointed Interim Chair last December.

During a long and distinguished career in health, Sheena was awarded an MBE for services to mental health in 2022 and named HSJ’s Chief Executive of the Year award in 2015. She currently serves as Vice-Chair, Senior Independent Director and Chair of the Quality and Outcomes Committee at Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB).

Sheena has also held local, regional and national advisory roles, including Chief Executive Advisor for the creation and production of the NHS Mental Health Long Term Plan in 2015. She also helped to develop the North West Leadership Academy and chaired it for 10 years.

Trish Bennett MBE, Mersey Care’s Chief Executive Officer, said:- “We’re delighted to attract such a high calibre candidate for this role with vast experience across the health sector. I’m sure Sheena will be a significant addition to our leadership team, particularly given her experience across mental health, learning disabilities, autism and community health, and I look forward to working alongside her and building on the work David Fillingham has led during his time as interim chair.” 

Sheena spent 12 Years as Chief Executive of Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP), leading a large mental health, learning disability and community trust. During her tenure, the Trust achieved Outstanding CQC ratings for care and maintained a robust financial position. 

Prior to this, she held Chief Executive roles in both acute and commissioning organisations, including Trafford PCT, Wrightington, Wigan & Leigh Health Services NHS Trust, and Halton General Hospital.

She said:- “I’m delighted to be joining the team at Mersey Care as Chair. It’s a privilege to return to the mental health, learning disabilities, and community sector and work with the communities of Cheshire and Merseyside, with whom I share a strong connection with, and care deeply about.”