Chief exec appointed to lead future community provider in Kent

Marion Dinwoodie will take up the post at the proposed new Kent Community Health NHS Trust from 1 April 2011.

The trust will be created from the planned merger of Eastern and Coastal Kent Community Health NHS Trust and West Kent Community Health. It will have almost 5,700 frontline staff.

David Griffiths, who will be chair the organisation on its formation, said: “Marion brings with her a wealth of frontline and leadership experience and expertise; and an unwavering commitment to improving the quality of services and outcomes for patients.

“Marion has extensive experience of working in the NHS. Following Marion’s pharmacy career, she has worked for more than 25 years as a manager and chief executive in a number of healthcare organisations, since 2002 in Kent and Medway.”

Ms Dinwoodie said: “One of my first priorities will be to meet patients to find out how we can improve services further and to meet staff across Kent who are doing such vital jobs providing great care to Kent residents.”