The trust that runs West Suffolk Hospital has appointed a new executive chief operating officer.

Helen Beck was West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust’s deputy chief operating officer for three years before stepping into the role of interim chief operating officer last year, following the departure of Jon Green who is now chief executive at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn.

Under her leadership, the hospital has managed to reduce waiting times for elective treatment and Ms Beck is also credited with the successful implementation of the trust’s new electronic patient record system.

A trained registered nurse, Ms Beck previously spent a number of years in senior nursing and operational management roles at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

She said: “I’m really happy to have been appointed into this important position within our fantastic trust.

“Because of my previous experience, I already have a good working relationship with our proactive board members and operational teams who help to ensure the trust runs efficiently and safely.

“I hope to continue the good work we have already started, and innovate and implement new ways of working as a whole to improve our patients’ experience.”

The chief operating officer is a member of the trust board and contributes to the strategic leadership and direction of the organisation.

Ms Beck will advise the chief executive and board members on the operational delivery of services, maintenance of national and local performance targets and standards, while retaining a clear focus on quality and safety.

Trust chief executive Stephen Dunn said: “Helen has been helping to steer the trust through extensive periods of high demand over the years and has a deep knowledge and understanding of how the Trust operates and the challenges we need to overcome.

“I’m thrilled that she has accepted this post and can continue the good work she has already begun.”