Management change at Avon and Wiltshire Health Partnership

The chair of the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership has resigned and its chief executive is "taking a period of leave".

Felicity Longshaw's position is to be taken by deputy chair, Anthony Gallagher, while her job is advertised.

Paul Miller, who is currently executive director of finance, has been appointed acting chief executive replacing Laura McMurtrie.

It comes at a time the trust is seeking to achieve foundation trust status.

Ms Longshaw, who has been in the role for five years, said she was leaving because she believed the time was right to hand over to a new chair.

Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Trust is a provider of specialist mental health services operating across Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire.