Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has appointed Suzanne Rankin as its new Chief Executive, following a rigorous national recruitment process involving partners, patients, service users and staff.
Suzanne will take up the role on 3 September, succeeding Ron Shields, who will retire in July after an exceptional 46‑year career in the NHS.
A former Royal Navy nurse, Suzanne brings extensive senior leadership experience across health and care systems, alongside a strong commitment to integrated care, partnership working and tackling the wider determinants of health and wellbeing. These priorities closely align with the Trust’s ambitions as it continues to embed neighbourhood‑based and system‑wide models of care.
Suzanne is currently Chief Executive of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and previously served as Chief Executive of Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Surrey. As a Hampshire resident, she brings both professional and personal insight into the communities the Trust serves.
Strong alignment with Trust values
Commenting on the appointment, Neil Hayward, Chair of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“Suzanne impressed throughout the appointment process with her experience, people-focused approach and clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities for health in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Suzanne demonstrated a strong alignment with our values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence, and a passion for working collaboratively for and with the populations we serve. I am delighted to welcome her to the Trust, and I know she and I will work well together.”
He also paid tribute to the outgoing Chief Executive, adding:
“I would also like to express my gratitude to Ron Shields for his leadership and contribution to local healthcare; the culmination of a long and successful career of public service.”
Suzanne Rankin said she was looking forward to leading the organisation at a pivotal moment in its development:
“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Trust and the wider Hampshire and Isle of Wight health and care system at such an important time. Together we have a golden opportunity to bring real benefits for local people across the county and the Island. This area has always been my home, and it will be a privilege to lead the healthcare services provided to the communities my family and I are part of.”
Leading through a critical phase of transformation
Suzanne will join the Trust less than a year after the October 2024 merger that created Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. The organisation now delivers a comprehensive range of primary care, community, mental health and learning disability services to a population of around two million people.
Working alongside system partners, the Trust plays a central role in joining up local services, strengthening neighbourhood‑based care, improving population health outcomes and tackling health inequalities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Arrangements are now being put in place to ensure smooth and continuous leadership following Ron Shields’ retirement in July and ahead of Suzanne Rankin’s arrival in September.
Image credit: iStock
