A NURSE who has spent much of her career in Airedale has been given a key role in the Bradford District Care NHS Trust.

Phil Hubbard has been appointed the new director of nursing, professions and care standards for the trust, which provides services across Airedale, Craven, Wharfedale and Bradford.

She takes up the role following the recent retirement of Debra Gilderdale after her 37-year career with the trust.

Previously the trust’s deputy director of nursing and professions, Phil’s career spans 33 years across hospital, primary, mental health and community care settings.

Since joining the trust in 2012, she has held a number of senior roles and has a strong track record of leading large-scale service improvements, working with partners across the district.

Brent Kilmurray, chief executive of Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, said Phil would bring a wealth of operational and clinical experience to the executive team and Board.

He said: “Phil’s appointment comes at a key time, as we introduce our new approach to continuous quality improvement across the Trust that involves all our staff, to support service developments.

Phil, who is a registered nurse, was instrumental in reshaping the Trust’s children’s services. She also worked alongside primary care partners to ensure a multi-disciplinary approach to community partnerships, to better support local health and care needs.

Previously, as a nurse consultant at Bradford and Airedale Community Health services, Phil was responsible for several initiatives including developing a specialist clinical service to support people with learning disabilities.

Commenting on her appointment Phil Hubbard, said: “I look forward to taking up my new role and continuing to support the Trust’s senior leadership team. One of my key priorities is getting out and about, meeting staff and service users, and making sure I’m listening to their concerns and celebrating their successes. This will support my focus on continuing to develop our nurses and allied health professionals, ensuring that we have a workforce that’s fit for the future and able to achieve its full potential, and deliver high quality care.”