The chair of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust (MSEFT), Nigel Beverley, is to retire at the end of the financial year.

Beverley has been chair of the trust – and Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Trust before it – for 10 years. He was at the helm when three trusts merged to become MSEFT – making it one of the largest acute providers in the country.

He said: ‘I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Mid and South Essex and am hugely proud of everything we have achieved. It is a thriving organisation with incredibly committed staff who I know are passionate about providing our patients with the best possible care.'

He added: ‘We will start the recruitment for our new chair shortly so we can ensure a smooth transition and I can give them any support they need.'