Project Fusion has reached a milestone with the appointment of Lynne Hunt as Chair to lead the new organisation from 1 April 2024.
Lynne was appointed following a comprehensive assessment process led by the Integrated Care Board. This involved broad and representative interview and stakeholder panels comprising a range of partners from across the local health and care system and our Governors.
Lynne is currently the chair of Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust. Her appointment will ensure there is continuity as we go through a period of transition and create the new organisation. Lynne, a nurse by background, brings a wealth of experience and expertise in leading and transforming complex NHS organisations. She demonstrably champions continuous learning and quality improvement, service user involvement, and the importance of working in partnership to bring about the best possible services.
Lynne said: “I’m delighted to be appointed as Chair for the new organisation. Ahead
of us we have a unique and incredibly exciting opportunity to bring about better and more consistent care for the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The new organisation will enable us to combine the very best approaches, continuously improve quality, and create a culture in which the people who use our services and our fantastic staff can thrive. To achieve our ambition, we must continue to work in partnership with our diverse communities and our colleagues across health, care, and the voluntary sector. We must also ensure the voices of people with lived experience, and our professionals, are central to shaping our plans. I am very much looking forward to taking up this role and to working alongside the dedicated people all focused on making this a success.”
All partners are clear that the new Trust will build on the strengths of each organisation to create something new. As the legal form of transaction in establishing the new provider will be an acquisition by the existing Foundation Trust in the partnership (Southern Health), Lynne's appointment was formally made by the Trust's Council of Governors.
Whilst we go through this transition period, leading up to the creation of a new Trust on the proposed date of 1 April 2024, all existing Trusts will remain statutory organisations. Their Trust Boards will remain in place.