Royal Devon NHS trust has new chief executive officer

Sam Higginson is the new chief executive officer of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

A healthcare trust in Devon has a new chief executive officer.

Sam Higginson joined the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust on Monday.

His new role comes after 20 years of work in and around the NHS in strategic, financial and operational jobs, the trust said.

Shan Morgan, chair of the Royal Devon, said: "He brings considerable expertise and a strong understanding of the issues facing the NHS."

The Royal Devon was established in April 2022, merging the Royal Devon and Exeter, and Northern Devon, NHS Trusts.

Sam Higginson began his new role on Monday

Ms Morgan paid tribute to Paul Roberts who has been acting as the interim chief executive officer.

She said: "I would like to say a particularly warm thank you to Paul Roberts for the strength and stability he has brought to the Trust in his role as interim CEO.

"In a short space of time, Paul has had a significant positive impact and we are all grateful for his role in supporting the transition to new leadership."