New chief nurse for Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust

Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust has appointed Elaine Newell as its chief nurse.

Ms Newell is the former director of midwifery at the trust, which runs Sandwell, City and Rowley Regis Hospitals.

She has been acting chief nurse since December last year and was given the job after an external process overseen by NHS Improvement.

Chief executive Toby Lewis said: ‘Elaine will bring a distinctive and professional voice reflecting the concerns and hopes of our patients and their carers.

‘I have every confidence that she can drive the recruitment and retention of nurses and midwives.

Transformation

‘During her tenure we have seen a transformation in standards of care for women in the maternity service. She leaves the service in a strong place to develop further, with a good rating from the Care Quality Commission and the board investing further to try and reduce perinatal mortality.’

Commenting on her appointment, Ms Newell said: ‘I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead the nursing profession at the trust as we work towards the opening of the new Midland Metropolitan Hospital.

‘While I am fully aware of the challenges within the NHS at this time, I believe we have a nursing team to be proud of and I will continue to work with them to improve the experience of patients and carers within our organisation.’

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