New chief executive appointed

The Trust has appointed a new Chief Executive.

Making the announcement, Frank Griffiths, Chair of Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I am delighted to announce that, after a very comprehensive assessment process, Dr Sara Munro will be joining us as our new leader.

“Sara is currently the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Nursing & Quality at Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. She is a mental health nurse by background and has been at Cumbria since 2009.

“Sara has held a wide portfolio of responsibilities for professional standards and clinical governance, the Trust’s quality plan, safeguarding, medicines management and patient experience. She has a doctorate in attitudes in mental health nursing and has been involved in a range of national projects.”

Mr Griffiths added: “I would like to thank our Interim Chief Executive Jill Copeland who has led the organisation so brilliantly since our previous Chief Executive, Chris Butler, left in December last year.

“Jill has stepped up and taken control of the Trust at what has been a very challenging time indeed and has handled some very difficult situations superbly well. We are truly grateful for her calm and professional stewardship, particularly through our recent Care Quality Commission inspection.”

Sara starts her new role at the Trust on 5 September.