Friend, who is currently chair of the James Paget University Hospital (JPUH), has been chair of the JPUH since October 2023 and is also a non-executive director at Provide CiC and senior independent director at IC24. He was previously senior independent director at North East London Foundation Trust.

His appointment, which was confirmed by the Councils of Governors at all three hospitals, means there will be a single chair for the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, The James Paget University Hospital, and The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn for the first time.

Friend said: 'We are at the start of a new chapter in collaboration between the three acute hospitals in Norfolk and Waveney. It is a privilege to be starting as interim group chair at a pivotal time and I'm excited to work with the leadership teams, getting to know staff across all three trusts and engaging with local communities across Norfolk and Waveney.

'We can build on the existing strengths of the three trusts to make a real difference in health outcomes and realise the opportunities that all three trusts share to make a real difference to the communities we serve.'

Tracey Bleakley, chief executive of NHS Norfolk and Waveney ICB, added: ‘Mark has an excellent track record of managing changes to public services and his experience will help us through the next stages of forming the group model and improving services for patients.

‘This is a really important point in the process, which ultimately will help us to tackle waiting lists and ensure people can be treated quickly in an emergency, while also improving efficiency and delivering better value for money.'

It is anticipated the transition to a group model of operation will be complete by October 2025.