CHFT has recently appointed three new oral surgery consultants, which is not only a first for our Trust, but a first for the region. We're wishing a big #TeamCHFT welcome to Oral Surgery Consultants, Mr Imran Suida, Ms Huda Jawad and Ms Tamsin Cooper.

We're one of the few trusts nationally that have dedicated consultant staff in oral surgery, as this was previously delivered by speciality doctors. Clinical Director and Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Aletta Carbone, and General Manager, Sharon Berry, have been the main drivers behind the service development and appointed our first locum oral surgeon in 2022 - another first for the region. This has now led to the appointment of our three new oral surgeons.

Each will have responsibilities to help develop the service. Imran is the Clinical Service Lead and said: "I am aiming to help drive the department to be at the forefront of oral surgery provision and training in the country. I hope to develop the provision of conscious sedation for patients requiring oral surgery, helping to make treatment more comfortable for those who are phobic and anxious."

Huda will be responsible for clinical governance and said: "I have previously worked at CHFT as a trainee and speciality doctor and really valued and respected the team. The value of One Culture of Care was the real pulling force to return to CHFT. As clinical governance lead, I strive to develop a department which is a centre of excellence in the quality of care it provides for its patients and colleagues so that it’s a place where people will aspire to come and work or have treatment."

Tamsin is responsible for education and our links with the local university and dental school. She said: "My role as education lead stems from a particular interest in teaching, having been awarded Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy for my experience in leading the provision of oral surgery training. My aim is for CHFT to be recognised as a teaching hospital, excelling in oral surgery training both at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Aletta said: "All three consultants are a fantastic edition to our CHFT family and have already made an impact in the trust and wider relationships in the community. We look forward to seeing their careers progress.”