Gardner is an experienced nurse who has worked in NHS acute trusts for more than 40 years, including most recently as interim chief nursing officer at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and before this as chief nurse at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

She said: 'I look forward to getting to know our nursing, midwifery and Allied Health Professional colleagues.

'As we head into the challenging winter months, I am keen to work with the teams to understand how we can deliver high quality care and continue the transformational improvements underway.'

Jo Williams, chief executive of SaTH, added: 'Paula is a well-respected and experienced nurse with an impressive track record in leadership in the hospital sector. She is passionate about putting patients first and delivering a high-quality patient experience, which will help us to continue the improvement happening in the trust.'

Gardner will join the trust in early December.