A new chair has been appointed at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Martin Earwicker will take up the role in January 2025 after being selected following a "rigorous recruitment process".

He will take over the role from Steve Erskine, who will step down at the end of the year having served the maximum six-year term.

Hampshire Hospitals said it is grateful to Mr Erskine for his exemplary and steadfast leadership during his tenure.

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Martin Earwicker will become the new chair of Hampshire Hospitals (Image: Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) Mr Earwicker is currently chair of Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, but has also held several other board-level roles.

These include serving as chief executive of the Ministry of Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, chief executive of the Science Museum and vice chancellor of London South Bank University.

He has also been a non-executive director at Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Alex Whitfield, Hampshire Hospitals' chief executive, said: "I am delighted to welcome Martin as the new chair of Hampshire Hospitals.

"His exceptional leadership experience across diverse sectors, along with his understanding of health and social care, will be invaluable to our staff and the communities we serve.

"Martin’s visionary approach and values-driven leadership will help guide the trust as we continue to deliver outstanding care and navigate both the opportunities and challenges ahead."

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Mr Earwicker will also continue in the role as chair of Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust for a few months to ensure a smooth handover to his successor.

Speaking about his new role, Mr Earwicker said: "I’m really looking forward to joining Hampshire Hospitals at the start of 2025.

"Hampshire Hospitals is a brilliant organisation, and I understand the vital role it plays in providing essential services to local communities, as well as specialist care to patients from further afield.

"This is an exciting time to join the trust as it looks to the future, working with partners to modernise healthcare for the benefit of the communities it serves."

Mr Earwicker is said to have a proven track record of delivering "transformational change", fostering positive organisational cultures, and working with partners to drive improved outcomes for patients.

He is deeply committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and is passionate about ensuring that patients remain at the heart of decision-making.

Over the coming months, Mr Earwicker and Mr Erskine will work together to ensure a 'smooth and seamless transition'.