MFT appoints director of estates and facilities

Stew Watson will join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust in June from The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust and Walsall Healthcare Trust, where he is the group director of estates development.

Watson brings with him more than 30 years of experience in property, project management, quantity surveying, and capital project delivery. His CV includes time as the head of estates at University of Sunderland and at Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue. He has also worked at South Tyneside Council, IML, Gardiner & Theobald, and Sunderland City Council.

Watson’s appointment as director of estates and facilities was announced at MFT’s latest board meeting.

His joining of the trust aligns with a series of projects to rejuvenate the foundation’s estate, including the redevelopment of North Manchester General Hospital, part of the government’s £37bn New Hospital Programme.

Other major projects include the £19m decarbonisation initiative at Trafford Hospital, the renovation of the emergency department at Manchester Royal Infirmary (known as Project RED), and the construction of a purpose-built community diagnostic centre at Withington Community Hospital.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to build on the progress already underway and work with colleagues across the trust,” Watson said.

“Supporting decarbonisation and wider sustainability ambitions will be a key priority for me, including continuing the work at sites such as Trafford Hospital,” he added.

“Alongside this, I want to focus on delivering estates improvements that support services to run well and meet the trust’s plans for the future.”

MFT’s chief delivery officer, Vanessa Gardener, welcomed Watson’s appointment.

“Stew was appointed for his experience in estates, facilities, and strategic property management across complex organisations, with a strong track record in long‑term estate planning, capital delivery, sustainability, and service transformation to improve patient and staff experience,” she said.

“As we progress major developments such as the new Withington Community Diagnostic Centre and Project RED at Manchester Royal Infirmary, his experience will be crucial in ensuring our estate supports modern, efficient care for patients and our staff.”

Watson will start his position at MFT on 8 June.