Chief Executive of Bolton NHS Foundation Trust receives Honorary Doctorate from University

The Chief Executive of Bolton NHS Foundation Trust said she was “honoured and humbled” to receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Bolton “in my home town”.

Proud Boltonian Fiona Noden, became emotional as she was awarded a Doctor of Health Care by the University of Bolton for her outstanding contribution to the Health Sector and Community Wellbeing, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mrs Noden, who was born and brought up in Bolton, and has led Bolton NHS Foundation Trust since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, said: “The last year has been difficult for everyone."

“The staff in our organisation have worked wonderfully and have become an extended family for many."

“It is on behalf of them that I accept this award.”

Mrs Noden was Chief Operating Officer at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust for four-and-a-half years, achieving improvements in cancer services for patients.

She started her career as a radiographer in 1988, transferring into operational managerial roles after several secondments in specialist advisory roles to regional and national professional bodies.

She went on to hold senior positions including Divisional Director of Operations at Salford Royal Foundation Trust and Director of Operations and Performance at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Foundation Trust, before joining the Board at The Christie in 2015.

Mrs Noden received the Honorary Doctorate in a unique Covid-secure ceremony which was being filmed for a special movie documenting this year’s innovative ‘Alternative Graduation’.

The University is one of the only ones in the UK to have invited graduands from this year and last to be presented with their degrees in person and their gowns, giving them the chance to have official photographs of their special day.