NHS Lothian has appointed a new divisional nurse director to lead nursing across the acute hospital services in Lothian.
Sarah Ballard-Smith will take up the post for NHS Lothian’s University Hospitals Division (UHD) in April 2011, following the retiral of Libby Campbell last year.
In her new role, Sarah will take charge of nursing across Lothian’s acute sites, including St John’s Hospital, the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, the Royal Hospital for Sick Children and the Western General Hospital.
Mrs Ballard-Smith is joining NHS Lothian from Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust where she has been director of Nursing since 2007.
Before being appointed at Southend, Sarah worked as director of Nursing for Queen Mary’s, Sidcup, NHS Trust in Kent for four years.
During her career Sarah has held a number of senior posts throughout NHS trusts in England, and has over 20 years experience in nursing.
She said: “I am looking forward to taking up this exciting role with NHS Lothian and leading acute nursing in Scotland’s second biggest health board.”
Jackie Sansbury, chief operating officer for Acute Services, NHS Lothian, said: “Sarah is a welcome addition to the team in acute services, and her wealth of experience working as a nurse for NHS trusts in England will be of great value.
“I look forward to working closely with Sarah and she will play an key role in helping us to continue providing the highest standards of healthcare across our acute services.”
Melanie Hornett, Nurse director, NHS Lothian, added: “I am delighted that Sarah will be joining us and heading up the acute nursing team. Sarah’s experience and track record show that she is passionate about delivering high standards of person-centred care, and this makes her an excellence choice to lead nursing in our hospital services.”
Notes for editors:
- Please contact NHS Lothian Communications team for a photograph of Sarah Ballard-Smith.
Ends
Issued:
Aileen MacArthur
Acting communications manager
0131 465 5646
Aileen.macarthur@nhs.net
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