The appointments follow the conclusion and recommendations of a recent review into the opportunities for collaboration and integration across acute and community services in Wirral.

Sir David said: ‘We are committed to working to fully maximise the range of benefits of integration and collaboration using a single leadership model.

‘In particular, it is the positive impact on patient experience and care which matters most. Working together, we want to provide seamless and targeted care, reduce handoffs and waiting times, minimise duplication, and ensure patients are treated in the right setting and location.'

Holmes added: ‘We want to amplify the best of what takes place both in the community and in the acute trust whilst remaining absolutely focused on those opportunities for greater collaboration and integration between both organisations and our partners.'

Sir David and Holmes will be leading both trusts with immediate effect.