Karen Jackson has been appointed interim Chief Executive of Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust.

She succeeds Iain McInnes who has been interim Chief Executive since August. He is returning to a role with NHS Improvement, the national organisation responsible for overseeing NHS provider trusts.

Karen has most recently been working with NHS Improvement to lead work on improving urgent care service delivery across England.

Before this she was chief executive at North Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust and has a professional background in NHS finance. She is a graduate in genetics from the University of Liverpool.

Karen said: “I am very happy to be joining the team at Southport and Ormskirk. Even in my short time here I have been impressed with the commitment of staff to providing the very best care for patients. I look forward to supporting that effort and will be here for as long as the Trust needs me.”

Iain said: “I have enjoyed my time working at the Trust. There are a lot of dedicated, hardworking staff and it has been a privilege working with them.

“The Trust has had many challenges and still has a number to face. It is clear to me that there is a strong commitment to move on and deliver care and a good experience for our patients as we move into a new phase.

“We now have a substantive executive team in place. They are dedicated and experienced people who will lead the Trust in the months and years ahead.

“I am confident that, with the addition of Karen, I am leaving the Trust in good hands.”

Karen officially starts in her new role on Monday 17th April.