A FORMER senior council leader has been appointed the new chairman of Bolton NHS Foundation Trust.

Donna Hall, will succeed the trust’s current chairman, David Wakefield, when his term of office ends at the end of this month.

Ms Hall was appointed to the role by the trust’s Council of Governors, which includes elected representatives of the public and staff, at a meeting on March 14.

Her selection followed a recommendation by an appointment panel ­— which included four elected governors.

She will take up the position from April 1.

Trust chief executive, Jackie Bene, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Donna to the Trust at what is a very exciting time.

We are forging strong relationships with partners in health and social care to improve the health of our local population and ensure best value for the Bolton Pound – the money that we have collectively to spend on services. Donna’s experience will be an asset to the organisation.”

A lifelong Bolton resident, Ms Hall and her family have used the trust’s services for several generations.

She also has extensive knowledge of health and social care and management, having more than 26 year’s experience working in senior management roles and 15 years a local government chief executive.

During this time she played a leading role with the chief executive of Manchester City Council, Sir Howard Bernstein, in shaping the devolution of health and social care and the Taking Charge strategy for Greater Manchester.

For the last five years she has additionally led on public service reform in the region as the lead chief executive supporting the GM mayor Andy Burnham.

Ms Hall retired as chief executive of Wigan Council and accountable officer of Wigan Clinical Commissioning Group last month.

She has also previously worked as the CEO of Chorley Council

Ms Hall said: “I am very excited to be joining Bolton NHS Foundation Trust at what is an important time for both the Trust and for Bolton.

"I am a proud born and bred Boltonian who grew up in Breightmet and returned to live and raise my family in Bolton after studying at university. I love the place and I love the people.

"I feel proud and privileged to have been chosen to take on the role of Chair.”