PAULA Gardner has been announced as the new chief nursing officer at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.
She will take over the role in March when Vicky Morris, the trust’s current chief nurse, retires.
Paula began her nursing career in Worcester, landing her first job at the former Ronkswood Hospital on Newtown Road in 1986.
Most recently she was chief nurse at Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, having previously worked at Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
“I am excited to be joining the senior leadership team at such a challenging but also exciting time for our NHS locally and nationally,” said Paula.
“The trust has proven that even in the midst of a pandemic it is able to focus on providing the safest, highest quality care for patients.
“I am looking forward to meeting my new colleagues and getting the chance to play my part in helping deliver improvements to patient care while also making sure we provide all of our staff with the support, encouragement and protection they need.”
Chief executive, Matthew Hopkins, added that Paula’s appointment is ‘excellent news’ for the trust which manages the Alexandra, Kidderminster and Worcestershire Royal hospitals.
He said: “She is a well respected and popular nursing leader who I am sure will build on the many improvements achieved during Vicky’s time here.
“Among the many things which impressed us about her during the recruitment process was her obvious passion for putting patients first as well as her commitment to providing highly visible, accessible leadership to nurses, midwives and allied health professionals.”
