Trust chief executive appointed to lead large STP

A new leader for the Cheshire and Merseyside sustainability and transformation partnership has been appointed by NHS England and NHS Improvement.

Mel Pickup, chief executive at Warrington and Halton Hospitals Foundation Trust, will take on the role for an initial 12 months while continuing to lead her trust.

NHS England said Louise Shepherd, chief executive of Alder Hey Children’s FT, had indicated her wish to step down after a year in the role.

Ms Shepherd has recently taken over responsibility for Liverpool’s community services, as part of an interim arrangement following the controversial collapse of a procurement process.

Cheshire and Merseyside is one of the largest STPs and is split into three local delivery systems.

Full story in the HSJ 23 August 2017