Northern Trust appoints new permanent Chief Executive as health service faces major challenges
Newly appointed Chief Executive of Northern Health and Social Care Trust, David Burns
Monday 12 October 2026
David Burns, the current Chief Executive of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, has been appointed as the new permanent Chief Executive of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, taking on responsibility for one of Northern Ireland’s major health and social care organisations at a challenging time for services.
His appointment marks a change in leadership for the Trust, which provides hospital and community-based health and social care services across a large part of Northern Ireland, including Ballymena, Antrim, Coleraine and surrounding areas.
Mr Burns will succeed Interim Chief Executive Suzanne Pullins, who has led the organisation since October 2025 following the departure of Jennifer Welsh to become Chief Executive of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.
New leader brings local government experience
Mr Burns has spent his career in public service, with a background in local government in both Scotland and Northern Ireland.
His appointment brings a senior local government leader into the health and social care sector at a time when the Northern Trust faces significant financial pressures and difficult decisions about the future delivery of services.
The Trust has been working through proposals to achieve substantial savings during 2026/27, while the future configuration of hospital services, including emergency general surgery provision at Causeway Hospital, remains a major issue for patients, staff and communities.
Mr Burns said:
“I am absolutely delighted to be taking up this new role at what is a critical time for Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland.
“I know I am joining a very capable and talented leadership team within the Trust and I am excited by the prospect of working with them to continue to improve services through innovation and transformation to ensure we continue to deliver the highest standards of care to the people who rely on us every day."
Suzanne Pullins reflects on leadership role
Interim Chief Executive Suzanne Pullins welcomed the appointment, highlighting Mr Burns’ leadership experience and commitment to public service.
Interim Chief Executive Suzanne Pullins
She said:
“David brings with him a wealth of leadership experience, a strong track record of delivering results and a genuine commitment to public service.
“The Northern Trust is fortunate to have talented and dedicated staff who work tirelessly every day for patients and their families and our wider community. I know David will greatly value their expertise and commitment and will work with them to lead the organisation through the opportunities and challenges ahead.
“Being Chief Executive of the Northern Trust has been the privilege of my career, and I wish David every success as he prepares to take up this important role."
Leadership transition at a critical time
Ms Pullins has served as Interim Chief Executive for approximately a year, overseeing the Trust during a period of financial and operational pressures across Northern Ireland’s health service.
The appointment of a permanent Chief Executive provides an opportunity for longer-term leadership as the organisation continues to address service pressures, financial constraints and the need to maintain safe and effective care.
For patients and families across the Northern Trust area, the key question will be how the incoming leadership approaches the difficult balance between financial sustainability, service transformation and access to care close to home.
Mr Burns’ start date has not yet been confirmed, and the Trust has said further details will be announced in due course.
