Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has appointed Vanessa Wright as its new Deputy Chief Nursing Officer, following a competitive recruitment process.
The appointment marks a return to the Trust for Vanessa, who brings extensive experience from both provider and system roles across Birmingham and the Black Country. She previously worked at Black Country Healthcare before moving to Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and the Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board, where she broadened her leadership expertise and deepened her understanding of system-wide mental health priorities.
Vanessa is a highly experienced mental health nurse whose career began nearly 26 years ago when she qualified in Wolverhampton. Her clinical background spans a wide range of services, including:
- Psychiatric Intensive Care Units
- Acute mental health services
- Dementia care
- NHS 111, where she helped to develop the UK’s first integrated urgent care hub
Her leadership and impact have been recognised nationally, including being shortlisted for a Royal College of Nursing Award.
Vanessa is well known for her commitment to collaborative working, championing innovation, and ensuring that staff, service users and communities are heard. In her new role, she will work closely with colleagues across the Black Country system to:
- Continue improving the quality and safety of care
- Strengthen nursing leadership at every level
- Support teams to deliver compassionate, person‑centred services
- Understand and act on the Trust’s emerging priorities
Her return to Black Country Healthcare reinforces her ongoing commitment to the region and to delivering high‑quality mental health, learning disability and autism services.
Vanessa joins the senior nursing team at a crucial moment for the Trust, as the organisation continues to strengthen service quality, workforce development and integration across local health and care partners.
Commenting on her new role, Wright said:
“I am honoured to be appointed Deputy Chief Nursing Officer at Black Country Healthcare, ensuring that our services continue to meet the needs of our Black Country communities.
“I look forward to building on the progress we have made, working closely with colleagues and partners to deliver compassionate, high-quality care. It is a privilege to take on this role, and I am excited to continue supporting our staff, patients and partners as we shape the future together.”
Her experience across operational leadership, pathway transformation and system-wide collaboration will support the Trust in meeting current and future challenges, while ensuring that service users receive the high standard of care they deserve.
Image credit: iStock and Black Country Healthcare NHS FT
