Ruth Hawker takes up non-executive appointment

Posted on 16th June, 2006

The former Chair of Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust (RD&E),
Professor Ruth Hawker OBE, has joined Devon Partnership NHS Trust as a
non-executive director. Professor Hawker started her nursing career in 1956 and has worked in the NHS in Devon and Cornwall for 50 years.  Having been Chair of the RD&E for more than ten years, she retired last month and took up a four year non-executive appointment with Devon Partnership NHS Trust. Commenting on her appointment, Professor Hawker said:  “I have a passionate interest in all aspects of the NHS but I have spent the majority of my career focusing on physical care and treatment.  However, I am pleased to say that mental health and learning disability issues are rapidly moving up the healthcare agenda - both locally and nationally - and I am relishing the opportunity of working in this very challenging field.”  Iain Tulley, Chief Executive of Devon Partnership NHS Trust, added:  “Ruth’s healthcare experience and expertise are simply unparalleled and we are extremely fortunate that she has chosen to join us.  This is a very important time in our organisation’s development and I have no doubt she will prove to be an invaluable addition to our non-executive team.”  Professor Hawker was awarded the OBE for services to nurse education in 1994.  She became Emeritus Professor of Health Studies at the University of Plymouth in 1995 and was made Pro Chancellor of the University of Exeter in 2000.   Professor Hawker’s remuneration is £5,673 per year.  She has no declared political activity and has not held any political appointments in the last five years.