A NEW top boss for the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals Trust (SaTH) to start next autumn has been announced on Friday.

Ned Hobbs has been announced as SaTH’s chief operating officer (COO), following a rigorous recruitment process.

A spokesman for the Trust said that Mr Hobbs brings extensive strategic and operational experience, currently working as the COO at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust for the past five years and also as deputy chief executive in the same Trust since July 2023.

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They added that he has worked in various senior roles within NHS organisations, and his commitment to quality improvement will be key in leading the Trust’s ambitious programme of transformation.

Louise Barnett, chief executive of the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, said that he appointment of Mr Hobbs will provide staff with the support needed as they deal with the nest stage of the development for hospitals.

“I would like to offer my congratulations to Ned on his appointment,” she said.

“With an impressive record in leading sustainable change in both elective and urgent and emergency care performance, Ned will be instrumental as we progress the next phase in our continuous improvement programme.

“With his leadership and expertise, Ned will work with colleagues, partners and our communities as we strive to deliver excellent care for our patients and families.”

Mr Hobbs expressed his happiness at being appointed to the role at SaTH and insisted he was the right man to be handed the job of overseeing the next stage of the Trust’s development.

He said: “I am delighted to be joining the Trust. It is exciting to see the level of clinical, digital and estates transformation happening over the next three years.

“I know that staff are continuing to work in a difficult environment, facing very significant pressures.

“I am committed to working with colleagues in the Trust, and the wider Integrated Care System, to be part of delivering improvements to services for our patients and staff.

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“I enjoy living in Shropshire and my family and friends use the Trust’s services in both hospitals.

“I am personally committed to improving the care and experience for all the communities that we serve and contributing to a positive working environment for colleagues.

“I’m thoroughly looking forward to joining the Trust in the autumn.”