New joint CEO for Bristol and Weston NHS trusts

Besides being the new joint chief executive, Maria Kane is also a visiting professor at the University of the West of England

The new joint chief executive for North Bristol NHS Trust and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation (UHBW) will start her role today.

Maria Kane, who was until recently CEO of North Bristol NHS Trust solely, will lead the two trusts as they aim to achieve joint group status.

It follows the publication of the trusts' joint clinical strategy in March, and appointment of a joint chairperson in June.

NHS England has described the appointment as a "big step forward" in a crucial time for the organisation.

'Delighted and humbled'

Ms Kane is one of the longest serving chief executives in the NHS. She was also awarded an OBE for services to healthcare leadership in 2019.

She joined as CEO of North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) in 2021, and as part of her new role will continue to oversee the trust's operations.

Speaking after her appointment, she said: "Together NBT and UHBW provide care to over 1.5 million people, employ 28,000 utterly brilliant staff and are responsible for NHS budgets totalling over £2 billion.

"As such, I am both delighted and humbled to have been appointed as their joint chief executive at such an exciting time for two such fantastic organisations."

Ingrid Barker, joint chairperson said: "Ensuring we have the right person, with the right values, skills and experience is critical to the development of our future hospital group.

“Maria is absolutely that person, as she brings with her the experience, knowledge and skill set to take both trusts forward on their shared journey."

Ms Kane will oversee operations of both trusts, which run Weston General Hospital, Southmead Hospital and Bristol Royal Infirmary

If successful in forming a group, both trusts will remain independent organisations but can share resources and increase collaboration.

Ms Kane said: "Implementing the joint clinical strategy and moving forward on our shared journey towards a hospital group offers the potential to deliver so much for all of the people, populations and communities we serve.

“I am passionate that it is only through collaboration and partnership that we can truly deliver on the NHS’s core mission: outstanding care for every patient, based on need and not means.

“By working in even closer partnership, and taking advantage of their geographical proximity, they (NBT and UHBW) can build on what they have achieved to date and become even better together.”