New boss appointed at hospitals trusts

Joanne Chadwick-Bell has worked in the NHS since 1989

A new chief executive has been appointed to run two NHS trusts in the West Midlands.

Joanne Chadwick-Bell will take up the role in January following the retirement of long-serving CEO David Loughton.

Currently leading the East Sussex NHS Trust, she will relocate to take over the Royal Wolverhampton and Walsall hospitals trusts.

"I'll be focusing on making sure that we look after our patients and our staff to the highest standards," she said.

Chair of the trusts Sir David Nicholson said Ms Chadwick-Bell's skills would benefit the organisation and he looked forward to working with her.

She began her NHS career working in the pharmacy department at Eastbourne District General Hospital back in 1989.

"Every part of the NHS is under significant pressure at the moment and Wolverhampton and Walsall are no exception," Ms Chadwick-Bell said.

Caroline Walker will stay in her role as interim group chief executive until January.