Weston General Hospital recruits new Director of Nursing

Helen Richardson is joining the Trust from the Care Quality Commission, where she had been Head of Inspection. 

Helen joins with more than 30 years nursing experience, during which she has held a variety of senior positions, including at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and North Bristol NHS Trust. 

Speaking on her appointment, Helen said: “I’m really happy to be joining the Trust. There’s been a period of change here at Weston, and with that brings fresh perspectives and new opportunities to review how we deliver services to our patients.

“I’m really excited to meet the nursing team. I’m aware of how hard they are working and how committed they are to continually progressing. I believe my experience; in particular within acute settings, will help with that development.

“I believe we have a real opportunity at Weston to further improve patient care and I’m excited to contribute to and support the Trust’s vision for how acute services are best delivered for Weston and the people of North Somerset.”

Helen’s appointment is for six months and she replaces Chris Perry who has joined Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust as Interim Nurse Director. 

James Rimmer, Chief Executive of Weston Area Health NHS Trust said: “I’m delighted that Helen has joined the team as our new Director of Nursing.

“The position of Director of Nursing is a pivotal one for any Trust and in Helen we have appointed someone with a huge amount of experience in delivering safe, quality and effective services.

“We’re developing exciting plans on how we can better support our patients and our recent senior appointments, including Helen’s, have been made to help the Trust deliver that vision. 

“It’s a very exciting time for Weston General Hospital and I welcome Helen to the Trust. I have no doubt she will play a key role in shaping how care and services are delivered to our patients in future.”