Lorene will begin her new role as Chief Executive at Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust on September 1.
Lorene took the helm at Weston in April 2007, moving from George Eliot Hospital Trust in Nuneaton, where she had been Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Operations and Nursing. She has a total of more than 35 years service in the NHS, having trained originally as a nurse and midwife.
During her four years in Weston she has improved its performance and the hospital’s financial position has been significantly improved too.
Her emphasis on dignity for patients and quality of care led to national recognition for the Trust. Visits from former Health Secretary Alan Johnson, Dignity Ambassador Sir Michael Parkinson and National Cancer Director, Professor Sir Mike Richards reflected the progress of the hospital in those areas.
In May this year Weston General Hospital was listed in the UK’s 40 top hospitals for the seventh consecutive year – a record for any South West NHS Trust. *
Weston Area Health NHS Trust Chairman Chris Creswick said: “As Chief Executive Lorene has become recognised as a strong advocate for patient care and safety.
“She has made a hugely valuable contribution to the Trust's progress over the last four years. There have been significant improvements in many areas, especially in the control of hospital acquired infections and in access to treatment.
“There has been significant, successful investment in the new Urgent Care Centre and in the MRI and CT Scanner facilities. All of this has been achieved while addressing a challenging financial legacy and the need for ongoing cost savings.
“Lorene has made friends across Weston Area Health NHS Trust at all levels. As colleagues, we are both pleased for her and sad that she will be leaving us.”
For further information, please contact Caroline Welch on 01934 647091
* (List by CHKS - Comparative Health Knowledge Systems)