THE search for a new chief executive to lead Whiston and St Helens Hospitals has begun.

It was announced last month that long-serving boss Ann Marr is to step down from her role as Mersey and West Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.

In recent years, the St Helens and Knowsley NHS Trust and the trust covering Southport and Ormskirk have come together under the Mersey and West Lancashire banner, with Ms Marr at the helm.

Now the search has begun to find a replacement for her.

Job adverts for the role have been published, setting out the requirements for the leadership role.

Who will be the next chief executive?

Asking are you the next chief executive of Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the advert describes the person they are looking for.

The statement reads: "#TeamMWL is looking for a values-driven, visionary and passionate chief executive officer to take forward the vision and strategy of our newly formed Outstanding Trust in providing 5-star patient care across two Integrated Care Systems (Cheshire and Merseyside ICS and Lancashire and South Cumbria ICS) to a population of over 600,000.

"Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is committed to delivering safe, effective, and compassionate care to our patients.

"As part of this commitment, the post holder will work closely with our partners, other organisations, and the broader health system to address the challenges we jointly face.

"This role is critical in ensuring that our services meet the highest standards and continue to deliver exceptional care."

Joining the Trust in 2003, Ms Marr was the driving force behind the building of the new Whiston and St Helens hospitals, replacing the old Victorian estate with world-class healthcare facilities.

Under her leadership the trust won numerous national awards, achieved an "outstanding" rating from the CQC and was recognised as the "best Trust in the NHS" by the Health Service Journal.

It leaves big shoes to fill.

What are the requirements?

The advert goes on to set out the requirements being looked for:  "You will be a compassionate, inclusive, and people-focused leader experienced in operating at or close to Chief Executive level in a complex health or care environment. 

"We are seeking an exceptional leader who will embody and embrace the values of #TeamMWL. This individual will guide our experienced executives in upholding the highest standards of patient care, with a focus on integration, reducing health inequalities, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to delivering patient-centred care to the communities we serve.

"Here at MWL we pride ourselves on being inclusive and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities, and particularly from individuals with the protected characteristics that are currently under-represented in our Trust."

Ann Marr will be retiringAnn Marr will be retiring (Image: Whiston and St Helens Hospitals)

There is no salary listed for the vacancy, however, the advert sets out that the pay will be competitive.

In a statement earlier this summer confirming her plans for retirement, Ms Marr said: “After 44 years in the NHS, I have decided the time has come to take life a little easier.

“It has been the most tremendous privilege to work with such wonderful, talented people and to serve our community. I would like to thank every single member of staff for their care, compassion and kindness.

“I am confident that the trust’s future is bright and the services we provide will continue to be amongst the best in the country.”