Hello my name is…  

Gary Boothby and I am now the Executive Director of Finance. I had been acting into the role for 12 months, and prior to that was Deputy Director here for six months and Deputy at Mid Yorkshire for the previous four years.

I am married with three children (17, 12 and 8) and live locally in Lindley.

Summarise your career background

I joined NHS finance from University 25 years ago so I am an NHS accountant through and through. I have worked in a number of Acute Trusts along the M62 corridor. Most of my career has been out-posted with divisions where I felt I could make a real difference to patients.
 

What is the highlight of your career so far?

Always get satisfaction from delivering CIP and helping services to deliver value for money. This ensures we can then spend the money on other improvements to patient care and experience. When I left Pennine Acute, all directorates that I supported, delivered their CIP and delivered good services at below average cost.

Sum up your role in three words

Helping make a difference (Don’t worry I can count and know this is four!)

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I wanted to work in a bank. The thought of counting money all day seemed appealing.

Who is your hero/heroine and why?
David Batty (Leeds United midfielder of the late 80s early 90s). I loved watching Batts play. He didn’t want individual glory and was all about hard work in the engine room for the team. He did the simple things very well with no fuss.  He was also someone not to be messed with.

When you are not at work how do you relax?
Three children between 8 and 17 years old keeps me busy and I can often be seen locally as Dad's taxi.

I am also a Leeds United season ticket holder which has been particularly tough in the last 12 months with the success of Huddersfield Town.

What is your favourite place?

New York without children, or Florida with.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I crashed a car on my 1st ever driving lesson and wrote it off!

Twitter/Facebook?
I’ll leave that to the children! Still not sure why I’d want to follow someone or know what people have had for their tea!