Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Stepping Hill Hospital and community NHS services in Stockport, has announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive.

Louise Robson, who is currently the Deputy Chief Executive of The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, will take up her new role in early 2019.

With over 21 years’ experience at Board level in high-achieving NHS organisations Louise, whose extensive portfolio has included leading on strategy, planning, performance, commissioning, operations, service improvement, transformation, commercial development and partnership working, will bring a wealth of experience to Stockport.

The trust’s previous permanent Chief Executive, Ann Barnes, retired last October and since then Helen Thomson has been serving as Interim Chief Executive.

Louise said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Stockport NHS Foundation Trust as its new Chief Executive. From the conversations I’ve already had with colleagues in the Trust and the wider Stockport Health and Social Care system, I am really excited in the potential for the future.

“Whilst I recognise the challenges facing the NHS, I am very much looking forward to becoming part of the team in Stockport in the new year and am excited by the opportunities we have to ensure that we provide excellent care for patients and the communities we serve.”

Chair Adrian Belton said “I would also like to thank Helen Thomson for her leadership over the last year, which has enabled us to focus on and make good progress on the challenges we face.

“I look forward to welcoming Louise to Stockport, where we are working with our health and social care partners across Greater Manchester to put patients and service users at the heart of how we provide access to excellent care. Louise’s distinguished track record in the North East will bring a great boost to our own exciting developments in this part of the country.”