London chief executive to lead Dorset trust

Siobhan Harrington, the current chief executive of Whittington Health Trust in North London, will start the role in June 2022. She’s taking over from Debbie Fleming, who announced she will be retiring from the NHS in March next year.

Ms Harrington, a nurse by background, joined the London trust in 2006 and since then has moved through roles including director of primary care, acting director of nursing and director of strategy. She has been CEO at the trust since 2017.

University Hospitals Dorset was formed in October 2020 following the merger of Poole Hospital Trust and Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals Trusts.

Ms Fleming led the merger of the two organisations after a long-standing battle to get plans approved. When she announced her retirement in September Ms Fleming said the trust was “well-placed” to appoint a CEO to lead the organisation’s development.

Ms Harrington, said: “This is an exciting time for UHD. I am looking forward to leading the organisation through this next phase – building on the past, continuing to provide excellent patient care and as an integral partner in the Dorset integrated care system.”

David Moss, chair of UHD, said: “We are delighted that Siobhan will join our trust as chief executive at this exciting time in our development.

“She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with her that will help us to work with partners to care for our population, realise our transformation ambitions and ensure that we will play a significant role in the Dorset Integrated Care System.

“I would also like to thank Debbie Fleming for her significant contribution to our trust as the first chief executive of University Hospitals Dorset.”