Truelove joins from NHS Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire ICB where she has been deputy chief executive and chief finance officer since 2018.

She has built up substantial leadership experience over her 30-year career in the NHS, having worked in commissioning and provider organisations, including several years at Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust and Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Truelove will take over from long-serving chief executive Mary Hutton when she retires later this year.

Truelove said: ‘There is no doubt that the coming years are going to present huge service and financial challenges for the NHS and care partners as we continue recovery, deliver on the health priorities of local people and prepare the ground for a strong and sustainable NHS longer term.

‘I know from my own experience that I'm joining a system in Gloucestershire that has a very strong tradition for close partnership working and this will be essential as we tackle the challenges and opportunities ahead together.'

Chair of NHS Gloucestershire ICB, Dame Gill Morgan, said: "I'm so pleased that we are in a position to appoint such a strong and well-respected leader for Gloucestershire. Sarah's experience, knowledge and her determination and dynamism to provide the best possible care in such a challenging financial environment will stand the county in very good stead.'

Truelove will start her new role in the summer of 2025.