New chief exec for ailing NHS trust

A new chief executive has been appointed at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Newark Hospital.

Mr Paul O'Connor will take up the post in June. He is currently the chief executive at Barnsley Hospital, where he has worked for three years.

He takes over at a time when the independent watchdog Monitor found the Sherwood Forest trust to be in breach of its operating licence in the areas of finance and governance.

It is also being investigated for high death rates.

It appointed Eric Morton as interim chief executive and Chris Mellor as the interim chairman.

Mr Mellor said: "Paul brings with him a wealth of experience in ensuring the delivery of sound financial and organisational performance.

"During his time at Barnsley Hospital he has overseen many changes and significant improvements, with a particular focus on improving quality, safety and patient care.

"I am sure Paul will provide the stability and dynamic leadership required to drive the trust forward with our plans for growth, increased efficiency and the further development of our high quality services."

Mr O'Connor joined the NHS as group business manager at St Thomas' Hospital in London.

His first chief executive role was at Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust in 2002, followed by Birmingham Children's Hospital, before working for NHS North West and the Strategic Health Authority.

He joined Barnsley Hospital on an interim basis and was appointed substantive chief executive in 2010.