Nikhil Khashu will start in post across both organisations on 1 November 2024.

Joining the trusts on a two-year interim basis, Khashu will be seconded from NHS England's North West regional team, where he has been director of finance since April 2022. More recently, he has been working nationally as NHS England's deputy chief finance officer. His previous experience includes executive director roles at provider organisations Calderstones and St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals.

Khashu said: ‘Both organisations provide excellent care to the many thousands of people across Warrington, Halton and beyond. They share a joint commitment and ambition to further progress health and care services within home, community and hospital settings.

‘It is my ambition for us to continue improving these services and provide better care together for our patients and families.'

Karen Bliss, chair of Bridgewater, added: ‘Nik's appointment as joint chief executive of our two organisations underlines our shared ambition to improve services within the communities we proudly serve.

‘This is an excellent appointment and one we are delighted to now formally confirm.'

Steve McGuirk, chair of Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, added: ‘I'm confident that Nik's background and leadership style will be a huge asset to both organisations, as well as to the wider health and care system.

‘This is important as we navigate what will undoubtedly continue to be challenging years ahead across the NHS, and as we integrate our organisations.'