Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has announced the appointment of Suzanne Rankin as its new Chief Executive, following a rigorous national recruitment process involving partners, patients, service users and staff.
Suzanne will be taking up the role on 3 September, following the retirement of the Trust’s current CEO Ron Shields, in July, after a remarkable 46-year NHS career.
Suzanne, who began her career as a nurse in the Royal Navy, brings a wealth of senior leadership experience across multiple health and care roles, and a real passion for leading integrated health and care systems. Suzanne has a strong focus on addressing the wider determinants of health and wellbeing, building strong partnerships and supporting resilient communities – which aligns closely with the Trust’s aims and ambitions.
As a previous Chief Executive of Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Surrey, and a Hampshire resident herself, Suzanne has experience of both leading healthcare services and living in the region.
Commenting on the appointment, Neil Hayward, Chair of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“Suzanne impressed throughout the appointment process with her experience, people-focused approach and clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities for health in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Suzanne demonstrated a strong alignment with our values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence, and a passion for working collaboratively for and with the populations we serve. I am delighted to welcome her to the Trust and I know she and I will work well together.”
“I would also like to express my gratitude to Ron Shields for his leadership and contribution to local healthcare; the culmination of a long and successful career of public service.”
Suzanne Rankin said:
“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Trust and the wider Hampshire and Isle of Wight health and care system at such an important time. Together we have a golden opportunity to bring real benefits for local people across the county and the Island. This area has always been my home and it will be a privilege to lead the healthcare services provided to the communities my family and I are part of.”
Ron Shields, the current Chief Executive of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said:
“I am really proud of what the people of this Trust have achieved and delighted that Suzanne has been appointed to lead the organisation in the next exciting phase of its development”
Anne Eden, Regional Director for NHS England South East said:
“I am delighted that Suzanne is returning to the wider South East leadership team. She is a highly respected, values-led NHS leader with extensive experience leading complex organisations and she joins a really committed team at the Trust. I have every confidence that, working with local stakeholders, Suzanne’s leadership will further enable the new integrated Trust to build on the strong foundations already established to drive improvements in the health outcomes for Hampshire and Isle of Wight people.”
Suzanne will be coming to the Trust from her current role as Chief Executive of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
Suzanne will join the Trust at a pivotal time, following the merger in October 2024 that created Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. The organisation provides a comprehensive range of services including primary care, community, mental health and learning disability care to a population of 2 million people. Alongside its partners, the Trust is at the centre of joining up local services, strengthening neighbourhood-based care, improving health outcomes and addressing inequalities across our communities.
Arrangements are now being made to ensure a smooth and continuous leadership following Ron’s retirement in July and ahead of welcoming Suzanne to the role in September.