INTERIM chief operating officer of the University of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust has been appointed to the role full time.

The hospital chief, who was previously in the role as deputy before stepping up to interim in April this year, has guided the trust through the Covid-19 pandemic, and takes up the position seven years after joining the trust from Devon.

In her new position as chief operting officer, she will play a crucial role to play in redesigning the delivery of hospital and community services for people living in the Morecambe Bay area and will manage all of the Care Groups which run the clinical services provided by the trust.

She will continue to oversee the Trust’s response to Covid-19, working closely with local health and care partners as well as planning and implementing the Trust’s recovery phases.

Aaron Cummins, Chief Executive of UHMBT said the new chief's experience and experience through the Covid-19 response will help to shape the future of the trust for the better.

He said: “We are extremely pleased that Kate has been appointed to this key role within our Trust.

“Kate’s wealth of experience in leadership and healthcare will mean we can engage with colleagues and patients to deliver our strategic vision for the Trust and the Morecambe Bay area.

"This includes dealing with the current COVID-19 pandemic as safely and effectively as possible, focusing on the wellbeing of colleagues, a continued emphasis on quality and safety of services and a focus on the work of our COVID-19 Recovery Cell.

“Kate has been a strong leader throughout the pandemic and will enable us to continue to ensure that quality and safety of care remain our main focus.”