Western Health and Social Care Trust announces retirement of Chief Executive

THE Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) announced the retirement of its Chief Executive, Neil Guckian, last Thursday, following a long and distinguished career dedicated to health and social care across Northern Ireland.

Mr Guckian, who was appointed as the Western Trust Chief Executive on 1 July 2021, previously served as the Trust’s Director of Finance and Contracting. As Chief Executive, he led the Trust through a period marked by unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, financial and workforce pressures, and continuous transformation across health and social care. Under his leadership, the Trust has continued to deliver high-quality, safe services, drive innovation, and strengthen the well-being of staff, patients, clients and service users.

Mr Guckian’s commitment to health and social care spans more than three decades. Beginning in the West in 1991 and spanning over 27 years, he also served as a Director across four Trusts in Northern Ireland.

Chairperson of the Western Trust, Dr Tom Frawley, CBE paid tribute to Mr Guckian’s leadership, saying: “Neil has led the Western Trust with compassion, clarity, and resilience. His steady leadership during some of the most difficult years for health and social care has been invaluable. The Trust Board is deeply grateful for his dedication, professionalism, and the positive impact he has made over many years. We wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement.”

Interim Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health, Mike Farrar said: “Neil has been an outstanding public servant and senior manager within the HSC. His contribution to improvements in healthcare over the course of his career have been significant in terms of his commitment to patients and to staff alike. He will be sorely missed but we wish him all the very best wishes for a long and healthy retirement.

Reflecting on his retirement, Mr Guckian said: “It has been a privilege to serve as Chief Executive of the Western Trust. I and the Senior Management Team are immensely proud of our staff, who consistently demonstrate courage, professionalism, and compassion. I want to thank colleagues across all services for their unwavering commitment to those we care for. As I retire, I do so with pride in what we have achieved together and with complete confidence in the future of the Trust.”

Throughout his tenure, Mr Guckian has provided steady leadership through post-pandemic recovery, system reform, and significant operational pressures. His strategic vision and financial expertise have strengthened service delivery, supported staff wellbeing, and enhanced collaboration across the wider health and social care system.

The Western Trust Board will now commence the process of appointing a new Chief Executive.