The NHS Trust Development Authority has confirmed the appointment of Dr Jon Andrewes as chairman of Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust.

Dr Andrewes joins Royal Cornwall Hospitals from Torbay and Southern Devon Health and Care NHS Trust - an integrated health and adult social care organisation. He will maintain an oversight role at Torbay and Southern Devon Health and Care NHS Trust as it works to merge with its neighbouring acute trust and become a fully integrated care organisation.

Dr Andrewes has extensive leadership experience at large NHS, private and third sector organisations including establishing the Government’s first successful single regeneration trust and leading the Groundwork South West environmental regeneration company. Between 2000 and 2011 he chaired Brixham 21, a public interest company established to promote regeneration opportunities in the Brixham community. Between 2005 and March of this year Dr Andrewes was also chief executive at St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice where he led pioneering services and choice for patients and their families facing a life limiting illness.

Anne Eden, Director at the NHS Trust Development Authority said: "Dr Andrewes has outstanding leadership experience and has the skills required to guide Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust through a challenging agenda in the next few years. His knowledge of managing a successful and innovative integrated health and social care NHS Trust as well as private and third sector organisations will be invaluable.”

Dr Andrewes said on appointment: “I am delighted to be joining Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to work with the communities in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to provide outstanding health and social care services. I will listen to and engage with patients, clinicians and the wider community to improve care for the people we serve.”