Another key appointment has been made at Liverpool's biggest hospitals trust after senior figures resigned in the wake of a damning inspection last year.
Last week Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (LUHFT) announced the appointment of James Sumner as chief executive.
Today the trust announced that Dr Jim Gardner will be its new medical director, filling another key board position.
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Dr Gardner is currently medical director at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and is described as a GP by background.
LUHFT is attempting to improve its leadership since a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection slammed its board as "out of touch", "inexperienced" and "lacking insight" into challenges facing its hospitals - particularly concerning conditions at the A&E departments of the Royal and Aintree.
The former CEO, Steve Warburton, resigned for "personal reasons" in July last year, shortly after the inspection, and experienced NHS manager Sir David Dalton took the helm on an interim basis.
Other senior board members also resigned.
Today LUHF said Dr Gardner has "significant experience" within the NHS.
Prior to joining Blackpool's trust, he has also worked in the School of Medicine at the University of Central Lancashire, worked as a primary care trust and NHS England medical director between 2007 and 2014, a group medical director of an independent company and a trustee of the board of a cancer charity in Lancashire.
Sue Musson, Chairwoman of LUHFT, said: “I’m delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Jim Gardner as our next Medical Director.
“Our newly appointed Chief Executive, James Sumner, joined the interview panel for this key appointment within the executive team.
"The panel was entirely confident that Dr Gardner is the right medical leader for our Trust as we continue our journey of improvement towards delivering great care.”
Interim CEO Sir David, who will remain in post until Mr Sumner is in position, said: “Dr Gardner demonstrated that he is an exceptional candidate for the role of medical director at LUHFT.
"The breadth and depth of his experience across the full NHS system will ensure great medical leadership for the organisation and support collaborative partnership working for the future.”
A date for when Dr Gardner will take up post is yet to be confirmed.
Until that point, Professor John Brennan will continue as interim medical director and will work with Dr Gardner to ensure a smooth transition into the role.
Speaking about his appointment, Dr Gardner said: “I am delighted to be joining LUHFT as its medical director.
"This is an organisation with real ambition and a sincere commitment to providing the best patient care possible, and I look forward to joining the team."
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