The new chief executive of North Cumbria NHS is bringing clinical leadership to the front of decision making in the trust.

Since starting her role as chief executive of the North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust in January, Lyn Simpson has made changes to the organisation following a trust-wide survey that took place at the end of 2019.

She has established a clinical advisory group that brings together leaders and executives to advise the trust on a range of issues relating to clinical practice, professional standards, and medical education.

Lyn Simpson, Chief Executive said: “Empowering our doctors, nurses and allied health professionals to make more of the decisions about how we manage our resources and deliver care across our hospitals and services is hugely important.

“Following the creation of North Cumbria Integrated Care in October 2019, we need to make sure our clinicians are at the heart of the decisions we take as an organisation.”

The advisory group will also play a crucial role in making financial and strategic decisions for the organisation.

Professor John Howarth, deputy chief executive, said: “Lyn is now inviting our clinical leaders to take the opportunity to work hand in hand with the leadership team to ensure that quality and safety drives the organisation in the future.”

The National NHS Survey was conducted before the North Cumbria Integrated Care was formed which means there are two sets of data for the former Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust.

As the survey got underway, the organisation was undergoing a large number of changes.

The merger and reorganisation of the two trusts were the main changes to take place but there was also the transfer of mental health and learning disability services to specialist providers.

Lyn Simpson added: “In the five weeks since I’ve joined the organisation I’ve spoken with many colleagues and I know that every one of us comes to work to do our very best for our patients.

“I’m confident that by working together closely with all of our staff, our clinical leaders and our staff representatives together, we can make rapid improvements.”