At the end of March 2016 the Trust's chairman of seven years, Sir Robert Finch, passed away suddenly after a short illness.
The sudden and tragic loss of Sir Robert was a huge shock to everyone at the Trust. Chief executive Bob Bell pays tribute to a greatly missed colleague.
“Sir Robert was a passionate advocate for Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals,” says Bob. “As a former Lord Mayor of London and with a background in law and property, he frequently found himself advancing the Trust’s position in influential and powerful circles. And while much of this advocacy took place behind the scenes, the benefits were no less evident.
“Such was his commitment to the Trust that Sir Robert agreed to extend his tenure as chairman after the initial four-year term. Following a difficult fight to save children’s services, and testing property development issues, many would have welcomed the opportunity to pass on the baton. Sir Robert did not, sure that he had more to offer and keen to contribute as much as he could to securing a successful future for patients of our Trust.”
Neil Lerner, acting chairman, adds: “Everyone at the Trust had the greatest affection for Robert, both because of his complete dedication to the hospitals and their patients and because of his kind and gentle personality. He was generous with his time on the Trust’s business and always had time to listen to someone’s problem whether they were the chief executive or a nurse. He has left an enormous hole and will be sorely missed by the board as well as the wider hospital community.”
Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals Charity has set up the Robert Finch Memorial Fund to support respiratory research. For more information or to donate to the fund, visit rbhcharity.org.