Former NHSE director confirmed as trust chief executive

A former NHS England director has been confirmed as permanent chief executive at an East of England trust.

Elliot Howard-Jones has been Hertfordshire Community Trust’s interim chief since 2020.

The trust said his appointment “provides continuity of leadership… at a time when we are moving out of the pandemic and into a more settled period.”

Mr Howard-Jones was previously director of performance and improvement in the NHS England East of England regional team.

He said: “Much of the focus during the past year has been on our covid response and delivery.

“However, I feel we are now entering a new phase where we can focus more on the delivery on our plans for healthier communities and outstanding services.

“I particularly wish to focus on helping children to recover coming out of the pandemic; and focus on the urgent and emergency care services for residents.”