New executive chief operating officer for West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
A new executive chief operating officer has been appointed at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (WSFT).
Helen Beck was the trust’s deputy chief operating officer for three years before stepping into the role of interim chief operating officer last year following the departure of Jon Green, who is now chief executive at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in King’s Lynn.
Helen was operational lead for the successful implementation of the trust’s electronic patient record system in 2016, a project which led to NHS England identifying WSFT as one of the country’s most digitally advanced NHS trusts. She has also been instrumental in the trust’s efforts to reduce waiting times for elective treatment; with the trust achieving an indicative 92.07 per cent in May against a national standard of 92 per cent.
A trained registered nurse, Helen previously worked in senior nursing and operational management roles at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
She said: “I’m really happy to have been appointed into this important position within our fantastic trust. Because of my previous experience, I already have a good working relationship with our proactive board members and operational teams who help to ensure the trust runs efficiently and safely.
"I hope to continue the good work we have already started and innovate and implement new ways of working as a whole to improve our patients’ experience.”
Stephen Dunn, chief executive, said: “Helen has been helping to steer the trust through extensive periods of high demand over the years and has a deep knowledge and understanding of how the trust operates and the challenges we need to overcome.
“I’m thrilled she has accepted this post and can continue the good work she has already begun.”
The chief operating officer is a member of the trust board and contributes to strategic leadership and direction. Helen will advise the chief executive and trust board on the operational delivery of services and maintenance of national and local performance targets and standards, while focussing on quality and safety.
