There are a few changes in operations this month to tell you about.

Firstly, the title of the Assistant Divisional Director will change to Director of Operations for their Division. The change better reflects this important strategic role and is consistent with other trusts and the wider health and social care system.

The Directors of Operations are:

• Karen Barnett – Director of Operations (Community)
• Kristina Rutherford – Director of Operations (Surgery & Anaesthetics)
• Rob Aitchison – Director of Operations (Families and Specialist Services)
• Asif Ameen – Director of Operations (Medicine)

Secondly Bev Walker, who has provided excellent interim cover for the Medical Division, has now been appointed as the Associate Director of Urgent Care. This is a new and important role in the Trust. As part of her role Bev will lead the SAFER programme by working collaboratively with the Divisional teams, both operational and managerial staff , key stakeholders in the local health and social care community and the public and membership council to shape our local integrated service strategy and deliver radical, yet practical, and sustainable service change.  As part of this role Bev will have professional and managerial responsibility for the Central Operations Team.

Peter Keogh has also recently been appointed at Assistant Director of Performance. Peter has been with us for several months in a temporary capacity working with Divisional and THIS colleagues to develop the new performance reports and processes. Having experienced working for CHFT he applied to join permanently and we are delighted he is staying with us.

Congratulations to Bev on her new appointment and welcome to Peter and Asif.