New chief operating officer for Airedale NHS trust

Leanne Cooper began her career in biomedical research and is also a qualified accountant.

Latterly she served as deputy chief operating officer at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, where she worked in both financial and operational leadership teams.

As part of her new role, aims will include helping to ensure that trust teams have the right resources, and reducing waits for elective or planned care following the unprecedented demands posed by the pandemic.

She said: "I am delighted to be joining Airedale and look forward to working with the board, our teams and colleagues to continue our improvement journey.

"I have joined a trust and local health partnership that has improving the care and experience of our communities at its heart. I'm really looking forward to contributing to that ambition."

The appointment is welcomed by Foluke Ajayi, chief executive of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust.

She says: "We are delighted that Leanne has been appointed and welcome her to Airedale. She is analytical and innovative and able to work with colleagues and partners to develop solutions to healthcare pressures, something that will stand her in very good stead."