Date published: 12 December 2025
Mersey Care has confirmed David Fillingham CBE as its new interim Chair.
The Trust’s Council of Governors approved the interim appointment at its meeting on 8 December 2025 and formally took up the post on 11 December. His role is for six months and David will continue as Chair of Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Trust.
He brings a wealth of NHS experience to the role, having joined the NHS in 1989 following a successful career in manufacturing.
Mersey Care Chief Executive Officer Trish Bennett said: “We’re delighted to welcome David as our interim Chair at such an important time for the NHS.
“His vast NHS experience, track record in leading improvement, innovation and partnership working will be invaluable as we continue to transform our services and support the health and wellbeing of the people we serve.”
David has held several chief executive posts during his career, including Wirral FHSA, St Helens and Knowsley Health Authority, North Staffordshire Hospitals NHS Trust, and the Royal Bolton Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
From 2001 to 2004 David was director of the NHS Modernisation Agency where he developed innovative ways of working and promoted leadership development across the NHS, David was awarded the CBE and, in 2010 was named National NHS Quality Champion in the NHS Leadership Awards.
He said: “This is a great opportunity to share learning across two of the North West mental health organisations and help to drive improvement across mental health services for our large, combined patient population. I'm really looking forward to working across both Boards and supporting Mersey Care with their search for the substantive Chair for the Trust in 2026. "
