A FORMER nurse has become the new chief executive of Wirral Community NHS Trust.
Karen Howell, who was managing director for specialised and tertiary commissioning for NHS Wales, grew up in Wirral and trained and worked in the borough as a nurse in her early career.
A highly experienced regional and national health leader, her previous roles include interim chief Executive at Hywel Dda University Health Board.
Trust chairman Frances Street, said: "We are delighted to welcome Karen to the trust.
"She brings a wealth of experience across community, mental health and commissioning organisations.
"Karen will be a great leader as we move towards becoming a foundation trust and face the future challenges within health and social care."
Karen said: "I am so passionate about Wirral, having spent my childhood and early nursing career here and am delighted to be returning to my roots.
"Wirral Community NHS Trust has gone from strength to strength over the last few years, with all of its services rated as 'Good' or 'Outstanding' in a recent CQC inspection.
"It is an exciting time for the trust, as it embarks on the final stages of its foundation trust journey, and embraces the challenges that lie ahead."
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