THERE is a new face at the top of the trust which runs Andover War Memorial Hospital.

Steve Erskine has taken up the role as chair of the Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, taking over from Elizabeth Padmore after her nine-year stint in the post.

Mr Erskine is due to start his position this month, with his role looking over Andover War Memorial Hospital, Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital and Royal Hampshire County Hospital.

Through being previous chair of Poole Hospital Trust, it is hoped Steve will be able bring knowledge and insight in his new position for the Hampshire sites.

He said: “I am looking forward to working alongside our chief executive, Alex Whitfield, the board of directors and the council of governors.

“Before I joined the trust, I took the opportunity to meet as many members of staff and patients as I could. I heard from some very enthusiastic staff who want to provide the best care for our patients, whatever their role. I also heard patients and their families say how much they rated the care here. What I heard sounded like a good organisation has a strong and positive future.

“I also believe that this future is very closely linked to successful collaborations, both with other NHS organisations and external partners. It is my view that if we all share the same goal – the best possible patient care – then we can make things even better for patients by working closely together.”

Mr Erskine has extensive board-level experience, built up over the past 19 years in both the public and private sector.

His business career began at Ordnance Survey, where he worked his way up the organisation to board level. He also served as a director for a Home Office agency and L3 Communications, a large US technology company.

Alex Whitfield, chief executive of Hampshire Hospitals, added: “On behalf of everyone at the trust, I’d like to offer Steve a very warm welcome. I’m looking forward to working with him