Elliott, who is currently the chair of NHS West Yorkshire ICB and deputy chair of West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, will bring a wealth of varied skills and experience to Cheshire and Merseyside - honed from board-level appointments undertaken across a number of systems and sectors.

NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Chair Raj Jain said: ‘Cathy was the standout candidate throughout a recently-completed recruitment process and her passion, drive and enthusiasm shone through - greatly impressing panellists, partners and stakeholders alike.

‘I know that Cathy's collaborative approach to leadership will enable her to work successfully across our Integrated Care System, and she will be joining the Integrated Care Board at a really important time – not least with the new 10 Year Health Plan on the horizon.'

Elliott said: ‘This is an exciting as well as challenging time to be joining the integrated care system with a focus in 2025-26 on enabling neighbourhood healthcare and the imminent arrival of the new 10-year plan for the NHS, alongside the financial challenges that all health and care partners face.

‘I know from experience that I'm joining a system with a strong tradition of close partnership working, and this will be essential as we work together to face these challenges, transform services and improve care to make a real difference to the communities of Cheshire and Merseyside.'