Diane Whittingham takes over today as the new interim boss of University Hospital South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust which runs Wythenshawe Hospital.

The temporary appointment follows the resignation of the Trust’s previous chief executive,  Dr Attila Vegh, days before a judgment rejecting a bid to overturn plans to remove general surgery from the hospital in a shake up of the NHS.

Diane, will be at helm for up to one year, before a permanent replacement takes over.

The recruitment process for the permanent job begins in the spring.

For 15 years, Diane led Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust and over the last three years, she has worked across a range of NHS Trusts and healthcare systems.

Diane, who lives in Hale, said: “I am delighted to be joining UHSM as chief executive, it’s my local hospital and community service provider and I have such a strong connection to it. I’ve experienced first-hand the care that is provided and I am delighted to be in a position to lead the very talented and caring team.

“As a major university teaching hospital that is highly regarded by patients and its local community, I will ensure we continue to build upon UHSM’s strengths and focus on the areas that we need to improve in order to achieve the highest quality service and care for patients. I look forward to spending the next few weeks meeting colleagues, patients and our stakeholders.”

Barry Clare, Chairman of UHSM said: “On behalf of everyone at UHSM, I am delighted to welcome Diane to our organisation.

“It is an incredibly important time for health and social care in Greater Manchester and we are very pleased to have a new Chief Executive who has a strong track record in developing successful organisations and integrated healthcare systems.

“In living locally, Diane knows what patients expect and deserve from UHSM and I believe this will put the Trust in a very strong position to continue its vibrant future within Greater Manchester healthcare.”