The trusts will continue as independent statutory bodies. However, this move creates new opportunities for closer collaboration across acute, community, social care and mental health services. The aim is to improve patient pathways and develop more joined-up, integrated care for people across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, the wider North Midlands and beyond. It also opens the door to sharing expertise and resources, and strengthening the national and international research capabilities of both trusts.

Small brings extensive leadership experience from senior public health roles in the NHS and local government, having worked across London, Birmingham, and Staffordshire. She has been chair of MPFT since April 2024, originally joining the trust as a non-executive director in 2018. Before that she was a non-executive of the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust. She began her career as a registered nurse and midwife.

Small said: ‘I am passionate about the NHS and the difference it makes to people's lives. This is a fantastic opportunity to think beyond traditional boundaries and join up care in a way that truly puts patients first. By working together, we can deliver the transformation needed to create a more resilient, responsive NHS for the future.'

Dr Simon Constable, chief executive of UHNM, said: ‘This is an exciting and important step forward. Jacqueline brings outstanding knowledge and leadership, and her appointment will strengthen the partnership with our colleagues at MPFT. We are looking forward to working even more closely together to improve care for the many communities that we serve.'

Neil Carr, chief executive of MPFT, added: ‘Jacqueline has been an exceptional chair for MPFT, leading with compassion, clarity, and purpose. While our two organisations have long worked well together, this shared role gives us the opportunity to think differently about how we deliver care across every stage of life – and to make the best possible use of our people, expertise and NHS estate.'

UHNM and MPFT have a combined annual turnover of around £2bn and employ more than 22,000 people.

Small will formally begin her role with UHNM on 1 June.