Southern Health appoints new CEO known for championing patients and delivering outstanding results.
Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust has appointed Ron Shields, an experienced and successful NHS leader, as Chief Executive. Ron will take up the role in June.
Ron’s appointment follows a rigorous selection and assessment process, which involved patients, carers, staff and partners.
Ron’s previous role was at Dorset Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, a similar mental health and community trust to Southern Health, which he led to achieve an ‘Outstanding’ rating from the Care Quality Commission.
Lynne Hunt, Chair of Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I am delighted to announce that Ron is joining us and I have every confidence he’ll lead the Trust forwards on our journey of improvement for the benefit of our patients and local communities.
“Ron’s personal commitment to championing patients, listening to the needs of staff, and his ability to lead real improvements to NHS services, have been apparent throughout his extensive career and make him an ideal fit for Southern Health.”
Ron Shields, incoming Chief Executive, said:
“It is a privilege to be a Chief Executive in the NHS and I am really excited about joining the team at Southern Health. The response to the Coronavirus amplifies my belief in the people of the NHS and the strengths of people in the communities we serve.”
“I am proud to be joining an organisation that shows it learns from past experiences and where everyone involved with the Trust is passionate about delivering the very best possible services. As Chief Executive, it is my job to support and encourage the fantastic people at Southern Health to realise their potential and to fulfil their ambitions for the people we serve. “
“I am looking forward to working with partners and users of services to deliver the very best, joined-up services and to personally champion the interests of service users.”
Ron will work with Dr Nick Broughton, the Trust’s outgoing Chief Executive, to ensure a smooth transition in June, during Southern Health’s response to the coronavirus outbreak. Nick is moving to take on the role of Chief Executive at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust.
In January 2020, Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust was awarded an overall rating of ‘Good’ from the Care Quality Commission, following several years of work to improve the quality and safety of services. The Trust remains committed to continuous improvement.