In crisis?

Essex Trust appoints new chair

Essex Partnership University Foundation Trust (EPUT) has appointed a new Interim Chair. 

Jackie Craissati will lead the Trust Board from 1 September and comes with extensive experience of both the NHS and Charitable sector.  Jackie is also the current Chair of Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, and of Crohn’s and Colitis UK. 

Jackie has worked in the NHS for more than 30 years as a Consultant Clinical and Forensic Psychologist and was Clinical Director for the Forensic and Prisons Directorate in Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust.

Trevor Smith, EPUT’s Interim CEO, said “We’re delighted that Jackie will be joining the Trust, bringing her experience and leadership to EPUT at this critical time in the transformation of services to give our patients the best possible care”

Jackie Craissati said: “I’m delighted to be working with the Board and wider team at EPUT to continue their focus on developing and improving services for communities across Essex and beyond.  I’ve always been passionate about high quality health care, and the potential for mental health and community services to work closer together.

“I welcome this opportunity to follow on from the work of the Trust’s former, inspirational Chair Hattie Llewelyn-Davis who I had the pleasure to know for many years”

MEDIA ENQUIRIES: [email protected]

About EPUT:

  • EPUT provides services to more than 100,000 patients at any one time and our staff are focused on providing high quality care in often complex situations.
  • The organisation has invested in inpatient facilities and community services to make them safer and more therapeutic. We have extensively invested in technology to keep patients safer, enhanced training, and are continuously working with our staff, patients, their families and carers to use learning and best practice to enhance our quality of care.
  • While there is more to do, the Trust has made significant progress through innovation:
    • Our 111 mental health crisis phone line ensures people in need can access support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
    • People with lived experience have been employed in designated roles across the Trust, ensuring patient voice is heart of the organisation and all that we do.
    • A number of new initiatives have been launched, helping people access the support they need when they need it most. These include a mental health urgent care department, By Your Side maternal mental health service, Rough Sleeper team, mental health crisis ambulance cars, virtual wards and neuromodulation service.
  • EPUT was formed on 1 April 2017 and provides community health, mental health and learning disability services across Essex, Luton and Bedfordshire and Suffolk.  We employ more than 7,200 staff working across more than 200 sites.