Our Trust has appointed Dr Mike Knapton as its University of Cambridge-nominated nonexecutive director, bringing more than four decades of clinical, educational, commissioning, and governance expertise gained from across the NHS and charitable sectors.
Dr Knapton’s role sees him return to the hospital where he trained as a junior doctor and continues the link with the University of Cambridge, where the Trust holds teaching partner status for the graduate course in medicine.
Jude Chin, Trust chair, said: “We’re delighted to be able to welcome Mike to the Board, and see him return to West Suffolk Hospital.
“Across all his roles — clinical, educational, commissioning, charitable, and governance — he’s been driven by patient-centred and evidence-based care. He brings a wealth of experience and will make an important contribution as we get underway with a new organisational strategy.”
Dr Knapton graduated from the University of Cambridge in 1982, earning his MB and BChir, before training locally as a GP. Alongside his practice, Dr Knapton has made significant contributions to medical education and commissioning, as well as hospital, community, and primary care services.
He has held several educational roles, including Course Organiser for the Vocational Training Scheme for GP Registrars in Cambridge and GP Tutor at Addenbrooke’s Hospital Postgraduate Medical Centre.
Dr Knapton entered NHS commissioning leadership in 1999, becoming Chairman of the Cambridge Primary Care Group and subsequently Medical Director of the Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire Primary Care Trust. His work helped shape early approaches to integrated, patient-focused healthcare planning in the region.
He also worked as a Cardiology Assistant at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, which influenced his decision to join the British Heart Foundation as Associate Medical Director in 2006. He played a pivotal role in innovating approaches to the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease, as well as becoming an authoritative and trusted media spokesperson for the charity.
More recently, Dr Knapton served as a non‑executive director of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and, since 2017, has been a member of Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust, where he currently serves as Vice Chair. He is also a non‑executive director of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, where he chairs the Quality, Safety and Patient Experience Committee.
On his appointment, Dr Mike Knapton said: “I’m delighted to be joining West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, which I have fond memories of from my training days.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to improving patient care and strengthening the NHS for the communities it serves. We have a fantastic foundation in West Suffolk and I look forward to playing my part in supporting colleagues as we work together to deliver high quality, compassionate, and equitable care.”
Dr Knapton takes up the position with immediate effect and his first meeting as a member of the Trust Board will be on 5 June, 2026.
Dr Ewen Cameron, Chief Executive, said: “I’m looking forward to working with Mike as we navigate this period of change for the Trust and wider NHS.
“His knowledge and experience complement our current Board and he shares the Trust values, which is essential in setting a positive workplace culture – one where all colleagues feel safe and supported to provide exceptional care.”