Dan Spooner takes up the post of executive chief nurse, having been deputy chief nurse at the trust since June 2020, while Julie Hull joins as interim executive director of workforce and communications.

Spooner trained at Ipswich Hospital and spent 15 years at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust before joining the former Mid Essex Hospital NHS Trust, where he became the deputy director of nursing. He joined WSFT in the summer of 2020, a few months into the pandemic.

He will take up his new post in July when the current executive chief nurse, Susan Wilkinson, retires.

Spooner said: ‘This is a significant moment for me and I'm proud to have the opportunity to champion and represent such a talented, compassionate and hardworking community of nurses, midwives and allied healthcare professionals.'

Hull is an experienced NHS HR and organisational development practitioner, who is currently chief people officer (interim) at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust.

She will begin her role in June following the departure of Jeremy Over, executive director of workforce and communications, who leaves in May to become chief people officer at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust.

Hull said: ‘I have worked in a variety of NHS organisations, and I'll work tirelessly for the trust to deliver the best possible working environment and experience for all colleagues so they can give their best.'

Dr Ewen Cameron, chief executive of West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, added: ‘We're delighted to have Dan and Julie joining the executive team. They bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to the leadership group.

‘Each of them will play a critical role in supporting our staff and ensuring patients receive the very best care.'