Nixon succeeds Russell Nightingale, who served as HDFT's chief operating officer from April 2021 before taking up the role of chief delivery officer at University Hospital Tees earlier this year.

Prior to joining HDFT, Nixon was associate chief operating officer – remote care at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust for two years.

Before this, she spent 11 years at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, where roles included clinical lead for transformation, operations director for urgent and emergency care and cancer services, and deputy chief operating officer.

Jonathan Coulter, chief executive of HDFT, said: ‘I am delighted to welcome Julia to our Trust. She joins us with a wealth of experience gained across a range of NHS organisations and a proven track record of leading complex operational services.

‘Julia's leadership style, commitment to quality and passion for improving services for patients make her an excellent fit for our organisation. As we continue to develop our services and respond to the challenges facing the NHS, her expertise will be invaluable in helping us deliver outstanding care for the communities we serve.

‘I know colleagues across the trust will join me in welcoming Julia to HDFT and wishing her every success in her new role.'