Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT), which runs Basingstoke, Andover and Winchester hospitals, has announced it has appointed Sue Harriman as the new chief executive.
Mrs Harriman will succeed Alex Whitfield, who will be stepping down at the end of October.
Mrs Harriman has a strong track record of leadership in healthcare, with more than 15 years of clinical experience as a nurse in the Royal Navy.
She joined the NHS in 2002 as a nurse consultant in infection prevention. Since then, she has held a number of senior executive roles within the NHS in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, including director of nursing and allied health professions, chief operating officer, and managing director.
She was chief executive of Solent NHS Trust for seven years, which at the time provided community and mental health services, before joining Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board as chief executive.
Mrs Harriman has also contributed at a national level, serving as chief operating officer for the COVID-19 vaccination deployment programme.
Martin Earwicker, chair of HHFT, described Ms Harriman as “a visionary and compassionate leader who is committed to creating inclusive, supportive environments where staff can thrive and be at their best, and patients receive the highest standards of care. She brings a clear vision for working in partnership and a strong focus on quality, safety, learning and continuous improvement.”
He added: “I am confident that she will build on our foundations and lead the trust into its next chapter; pursuing our shared ambition to be the best possible organisation for the people who work at the heart of the Trust and the patients we care for.
“We look forward to welcoming Sue to the trust in early October, allowing for a smooth handover with Alex Whitfield.”
Mr Earwicker thanked Ms Whitfield for her “exceptional commitment and leadership”, adding: “She has made a lasting impact on our organisation and the patients we serve, leading the trust with compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to outstanding care and to the wellbeing of our people.”