Shropshire hospital trust appoints interim chief nursing officer after director announces departure

Paula Gardner will join the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) as interim chief nursing officer in early December.

The announcement comes after the resignation of the trust's executive director of nursing, Hayley Flavell, earlier this month.

SaTH said Paula is an experienced nurse who has worked in NHS acute trusts for over 40 years, including most recently as interim chief nursing officer at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and before that as chief nurse at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. 

Jo Williams, SaTH chief executive, said: “Paula is a well-respected and experienced nurse with an impressive track record in leadership in the hospital sector. She is passionate about putting patients first and delivering a high-quality patient experience, which will help us to continue the improvement happening in the trust. We look forward to welcoming Paula in early December.” 

Paula Gardner said: “I am delighted to be joining the trust and look forward to getting to know our nursing, midwifery and allied health professional colleagues. 

“As we head into the challenging winter months, I am keen to work with the teams to understand how we can deliver high quality care and continue the transformational improvements underway. 

“I believe strongly in supporting the wellbeing and development of our colleagues and this will remain a focus, as we work to improve the care for all the communities we serve.”  

Paula will be supporting the trust whilst recruitment is underway for the permanent role.