There's just one week to go now until our wholly-owned subsidiary Calderdale and Huddersfield Solutions Ltd is up and running -  on 1st September.

As colleagues from all areas prepare for the new era, its Managing Director is Lesley Hill -  (CHFT's Director of  Planning, Estates and Facilities for the past six years) tells us more about herself in our latest Hello My Name Is...including mountains, Mahatma Ghandi and definitely not wanting to be a teacher. 

Hello My Name Is... Lesley Hill.

What is your position?  

Managing Director of Calderdale and Huddersfield Solutions Ltd (CHS)

Summarise your career background
 

I trained as a pharmacist, and then entered hospital management after I completed by MBA.  I’ve managed nearly everywhere in a hospital during my career, and have worked in commissioning and commercial roles as well.  I came to CHFT as Director of Service Development just as we became a Foundation Trust, and for the last six years have been Director of Planning, Estates and Facilities.

What is the highlight of your career so far?

Too many to list - but my favourite bit is making things better for patients and staff, whether that is a new building, or improving the soup we provide.

Sum up your role in three words

Engaging, interesting and challenging.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I wasn’t sure - I just knew I didn’t want to be a teacher like my Mum and Dad.

Who is your hero/heroine and why?

Anyone who makes a difference through peaceful protest and diplomacy.  Mahatma Gandhi is the best example I have.

When you are not at work how do you relax?

I love music, sport and travel.  I do a number of different sports, regularly go to concerts, and enjoy a good holiday with lots of mountains I can trek up.

What is your favourite place?

I like mountains - and the Andes in Peru are my favourite so far. (see attached photo)

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I’m a second Dan black belt in both Taekwondo and Kick-boxing.

The NHS was 70 on the 5th July. How does that make you feel? 

Privileged to be part of it. It’s the best, comprehensive health service in the world, and is one of the few free at the point of need.