Dr Heeps has a strong clinical background as a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist and is an experienced senior leader in the NHS.

He has been the trust's interim chief executive since July, having previously served as deputy chief executive and chief operating officer, roles he also held at North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust prior to joining UHSussex.

Chair Philippa Slinger said: ‘Andy is known for visible, inclusive leadership, strong system collaboration and a record of delivering improvement. We are confident that, with Andy's leadership, the trust will continue to improve, address our challenges and transform our culture and services to better serve our patients, community and partners.'

Dr Heeps added: ‘My immediate focus will be on supporting our teams through the difficult winter period ahead, but I'm also committed to making the big longer-term changes that will help them improve and transform services for patients.'