SUE SYMINGTON has been appointed as the new chair of York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

She will succeed Alan Rose when he reaches the end of his term of office on 31 March 2015.

A former non-executive director and vice chairman of Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, Ms Symington is also non-executive Director for the Beverley Building Society and a former HR Director for Bettys and Taylors of Harrogate.

She said: “At Harrogate Trust I have developed a reputation for being the patients’ champion, and I will bring this patient-centered approach to my role as Chair at York Trust. York is a high performing Trust, and I am looking forward to playing my part in its ongoing and sustainable development for the benefit of the people it serves.”

Mr Rose, who was a non-executive Director at York Hospital for four years prior to becoming chair in April 2010, has extensive management and operational experience in a variety of business organisations and markets, including regulated environments. He is a former partner at strategy consultants Booz Allen Hamilton, and previously worked for the Shell Oil Company.

Mr Rose said: “I am delighted by the appointment and am confident that Sue will provide excellent leadership of the Board as the Trust continues to strive to provide good care in the very challenging healthcare environment it operates in.”

In April, he will be taking up a new position as chairman of Colchester Hospital University Foundation Trust.