Govender will join the trust in November from her current role as chief operating officer at Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust (RUH). She joined RUH in 2023 from Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, and has more than 28 years of NHS experience, including 18 years at King's College NHS Foundation Trust where she held a number of clinical and operational roles.

She has also previously worked as an occupational therapist, developing her leadership experience as chief of therapies, rehabilitation and integrated clinical services, before moving into director of operations and partnerships positions.

Govender said: ‘I have committed, over many years, to supporting those in need and working tirelessly to champion basic rights including health, care and education. I am happiest when I am working to build collaborations in complex health and care systems.'

On the appointment, chief executive Stephen Posey, added: ‘I have no doubt that Paran will help UHDB to build on the work already underway - both here and across Derbyshire and Staffordshire - to help shape and improve the future of care for our patients.'

Rob Hodgkiss, interim executive chief operating officer, will remain at the trust until later in the year.