DAME Jackie Daniel has been appointed as chief executive of the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

She was appointed after an extensive national and international search for candidates, and a rigorous recruitment process that culminated in the trust’s council of governors approving the appointment.

Dame Jackie, who is currently chief executive of the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMB), began her career as a nurse before moving into NHS management. She has held a number of director level posts in acute, mental health and specialist trusts, and has been a chief executive for the last 16 years.

She joined her current trust in 2012 and since then has led it out of special measures. In the most recent Queen’s New Year’s Honours she was made a Dame for her services to health care.

Professor Sir John Burn, trust chairman, who led the recruitment process said: “I am delighted that we have appointed Dame Jackie Daniel as the Trust’s new Chief Executive. “She will bring a wealth of experience to the role, and I am looking forward to working with her to lead the organisation onto further successes and the next phase of its development.”

Responding to her appointment, Dame Jackie said: “Newcastle Hospitals is a Trust with long and enviable reputation for the quality of the services it provides and the excellent skills of its staff.

“I am excited to be appointed to the role of chief executive and for the opportunity to work with its board, council of governors, and all staff to further develop this outstanding organisation.”

Dame Jackie leaves UHMB at the end of March, but a start date at Newcastle Hospitals is still to be confirmed.