WIRRAL Community NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Karen Howell writes for the Globe ...

I AM pleased to let you know that we've made two new appointments to the trust over the last week.

First is the appointment of our new chair, Professor Michael Brown CBE DL, who will be leading our board, and council of governors.

Michael brings a wealth of experience that will make a real difference to the trust.

He brings a fresh pair of eyes and his understanding of systems will influence how we as a trust operate in the health and social care economy both in Wirral and Cheshire East and further across the Cheshire & Merseyside region.

The chair is appointed by our council of governors who represent the interests of our membership, our patients and the people of Wirral and Cheshire East.

If you'd like to know more about our membership and join us, please visit our website www.wirralct.nhs.uk where you’ll find lots of information on both membership and the role of governors.

And the good news doesn't stop: we have also appointed a new non-executive director (NED), Beverley Jordan.

Beverley is a chartered accountant with more than 20 years' experience in financial and broader corporate leadership roles at AstraZeneca, a FTSE-100 multi-national pharmaceutical company.

She was also vice-president and head of operations for the Global Medicines Development Group.

Our NEDs hold a unique and essential role at board and its subcommittees.

Under Michael's leadership they are our critical friend, providing test and challenge for the executive and its operations, and they bring a wealth of experience from across the private and public sectors.

Together with our stakeholders, we can build the strategic vision for the trust and be an integral and positive partner for change and improvement across the systems we have the privilege to work with.

In other news, our latest magazine is out for the summer.

For You Magazine is packed with information, advice and details of the services available to support your health and wellbeing.

There's lots of information about our new services, as well as advice from our medical director Dr Ewen Sim about looking after your blood pressure, how to tackle back pain, the antibiotic threat and much more.

I hope you enjoy reading our patient stories too, and finding out about the many services we have that can help you look after your health and wellbeing.

You'll be able to pick up a copy in our clinics, local libraries and children's centres and at your local GP practice.