Directors

Dr David Seamark

President and Director of the CHA

I am the President and also a Director of the Community Hospitals Association (CHA) and have been involved with the CHA since starting my general practice career in Honiton, Devon in 1990.

I have worked in community hospitals for many years and visited many hospitals throughout the UK.

I have had a parallel research career and a major area of interest for me has been end of life care in the community and, in particular, the role of community hospitals in end of life and palliative care.

I have worked with Birmingham University on a study looking at the role and community importance of community hospitals.

I have retired as a GP partner but still work as a locum and pursue my research interests.

Richard Hallett MBE

Director and Treasurer of the CHA

I am a Director and Treasurer of the CHA. For 12 years I was Vice-President of the Friends of Crowborough Hospital in East Sussex.

During that time we were delighted to win a national award from the CHA in recognition of our support for the hospital and staff and for our funding and management of the Social Day Service.

In 2000 the Friends of Crowborough Hospital contributed matched funding of £1.5 million to ensure the refurbishment of Crowborough Hospital as a modern 21st Century Community Hospital.

I led the campaign to create the Crowborough Birth Centre and have long supported maternity services and Midwife-led Care nationally.

In 2013 I was appointed MBE for services to midwifery and parents.

Dr Kirsty Protherough

Director of the CHA

I am a Director of the CHA and a general practitioner working across Worcestershire’s community hospitals.

Over recent years I have focused particularly on Stroke, Palliative Care and Elderly Care patients and developed a strong interest in frailty and geriatric medicine.

We brought GP Trainees into Community Hospitals in partnership with our local deanery and I am hopeful that local community hospitals will provide placements for new medical students at the University of Worcester.

I believe Community Hospitals are an important NHS resource, particularly for supporting patients living with frailty.

I hope we can continue to raise the profile of community hospitals across the UK and support them to flourish.