Michelle Thomas has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of Livewell Southwest. Livewell’s Board have formally approved the appointment, with effect from 1 April.
Michelle’s career began in 1986 when she first came to Plymouth to complete her nurse training. Her nursing career includes working across acute and community hospitals, managing community teams and working with the University of Plymouth to support people back into practice.
In 2000, she became a Project Manager and worked within the Human Resources Department gaining an additional qualification in Human Resource and Development.
Michelle has played a key role in leading the Integrated Care Partnership between Livewell Southwest and University Hospitals Plymouth on behalf of Livewell.
She is currently the Senior Responsible Officer for Children’s and Young People’s Services for Devon ICS Long Term Plan and Chair of the Western Local Care Partnership.
In May 2021, she became Acting Chief Executive Officer when her predecessor moved to work with the NHS in the southeast.
Michelle said: “It is a privilege to be chosen to continue to lead a team of 3000 members of staff who work incredibly hard to ensure people in Plymouth and the surrounding area are well-cared for in a setting that is right for them. I am lucky to work with an incredible group of people at Livewell and one of my top priorities is making sure they continue to feel supported and that their voice is heard.
“I am committed to focussing on the prevention of ill health and early help across all areas of health and social care. I want to support all services across our communities to be the best they can possibly be.
“Livewell has a key role in the new Devon Integrated Care System and we will be building on our important partnership with University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, our collaboration across mental health, learning disabilities and autism services and partnerships with social care. We will find new and innovative ways to help people receive the care they need as close to home as possible and prevent unnecessary admissions to hospital.
“This is an exciting time for Livewell as we extend our range of services to include primary care and our responsibility for staffing the new William and Patricia Venton Short Term Care Centre opening this Spring.
“I will continue to work with our partners in the health and adult social care sector, along with community and voluntary organisations and all others who help to make Plymouth a great place in which to work and live.”
New Chair Designate, Dr. Karen Cook, said: “I am delighted to welcome Michelle to her permanent role and very much look forward to working with her and developing our services to support the communities in which we work.”
