Sultan, a medical student at the University of Liverpool, becomes the youngest non-executive in the NHS.

He has previously worked with Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust, where he founded the Youth Board, and served on the West Yorkshire ICB following his appointment as the NExT Director (associate non-executive director) for Citizens and Future Generations.

Nationally, Sultan has led initiatives with NHS England on health inequalities and has helped shape policy through his two-year tenure on NHS England's Children and Young People's Programme board.

He has taken a year out to study an MBA at UCL's Global Business School for Health, while also working in this new role at the two trusts, which are undergoing a process of integration to become one organisation.

Sultan said: ‘I want the NHS to be a health service that the future generations will be proud of. I'd like to be one of the non-executive directors that champions transformation and innovation.'

He said: ‘I'm really excited about the integration. It will be better for staff and will benefit patients. It's very exciting time and with the NHS 10-Year Plan, we have a unique chance to shift the dial and do all this great work.

‘I want to turn the organisations inside out and it's about reaching out to the community. As board members we need to be out talking to people and I want to make sure the board is accessible to people. I really want to help support the organisation in being proactive.'

Joint trust chair, Sir David Henshaw, said: ‘Haris' appointment brings a fresh perspective, a deep commitment to equity, and a passion for improving health outcomes for current and future generations.

‘Haris' experience across local and national NHS roles, combined with his insight as a medical student and advocate for young people and underrepresented communities, will be a tremendous asset to both our organisations.'