WISHH Appoints New Chief Executive
WISHH, the local Charity which raises funds solely to support the Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill hospitals has appointed Carl Wheatley as its first Chief Executive.
Carl will take up the post on 21 July and joins WISHH from Hull based NAPA (the Northern Academy of Performing Arts) where he has been Chief Executive for 6 years. He brings extensive experience in charity leadership, fundraising, and public engagement. Prior to his role at NAPA, he was a familiar voice as a senior BBC presenter and journalist.
Carl Wheatley said, “It is a privilege to join WISHH to support the incredible staff and patients in Hull’s hospitals. Healthcare touches on everyone in our region and I am excited to help grow the Charity’s profile and impact, strengthen community support and champion the wellbeing of patients and NHS staff.”
Sue Lockwood Chair of Trustees said.
“We are delighted that Carl has agreed to join the WISHH Team and take on the challenging role of developing the sound base which the Charity has established. The appointment of a Chief Executive will enable the Charity to move to the next level in terms of fundraising and project delivery and the whole Board of Trustees look forward to working with him.”
About WISHH and appointment of Chief Executive
From a standing start with very few resources the WISHH Charity has raised significant sums over 10 years to benefit Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital and is very grateful to donors and also supporters who have given so much time and energy helping raise funds for individual projects.
Many patients and relatives also give donations to specific specialties within the hospitals and WISHH ensures that these funds are directed and spent according to their wishes.
WISHH only raises funds to deliver over and above what the NHS alone can afford to do in our two local hospitals for the benefit of patients, their relatives and hospital staff.
The range of benefit the Charity provides is wide and varied and responds to unmet need. In its last financial year, the Charity made grants in excess of £800,000.
Whilst the range of items provided is extensive and varied patient benefit is the primary focus. Examples include:
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit £100,00 – This Space to Grow Appeal comprised enhancing patient, parental, and staff facilities within NICU..
- Patient Distraction System £50,000 – Avoiding the need to give children a general anaesthetic when having a scan.
- Specialist Physiotherapy Equipment £30,000 – Specialist seating and slide table, to aid the physical rehabilitation of patients.
- Medical Equipment Items – Including two Ultrasound machines (£150,000), cardiac and neurosurgery equipment.
- A range of other smaller, but important items ranging from water bottles for patients receiving radiotherapy treatments, provision of wheelchairs, to internal and external environmental improvements, all of which directed at improving the patient and staff experience.
Following the 2024/25 successful Space to Grow Appeal, WISHH Trustees have recently given the go ahead for £100,000 of improvements to facilities at Hull Royal for families whose infants are still born to give private and precious time together with their little one.
The appointment of a Chief Executive will help us drive the Charity on to achieve even more in the coming years.