Hinchingbrooke 'welcomes' new chief exec

Mr O’ Connell is currently interim chief operating officer at Salisbury Foundation Trust, and is a former national director of leadership at the Department of Health.

The recruitment process involved a group of more than 60 staff, patients, local politicians and volunteers.

Mr O’ Connell said: “Much of my career to date has been devoted to developing strong teamwork, so I’m completely sold on Circle’s belief in driving excellence through employee ownership.

“The task of turning a hospital into one of the top ten in the country is enormous, but the plan that the staff and Circle have drawn up to achieve this is truly groundbreaking. I can’t wait to get started.”