Currently group deputy chief executive for Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust and Isle of Wight NHS Trust, Orchard has also held several national roles, including serving as president of the Healthcare Financial Management Association.

Orchard said: ‘My personal commitment is to relocate locally and to strengthen leadership capacity and stability at Medway, creating an environment where staff feel valued, supported and empowered to thrive.

‘Working closely with colleagues and partners across Kent and Medway, we have a shared responsibility to improve care and outcomes for local people while building sustainable services for the communities we serve.

‘During my first few months in post, I will spend time meeting as many patients, members of staff, governors, volunteers and community partners as possible, listening carefully to what matters most to people and building on the progress already under way.'

Adam Doyle, chief executive of NHS Kent and Medway, said: ‘In Kent and Medway, our relationship with those leading the organisations that deliver services we commission from, is incredibly important in making sure we are all working to improve outcomes for our communities.

‘I am really pleased by Mark's appointment and his proven track record of delivery. I look forward to working with Mark and the team at Medway NHS Foundation Trust as we transform health services in the county.'