New interim chief executive named at Lancashire NHS trust

Dr Gareth Thomas, who has served as chief medical officer and deputy chief executive, stepped into the role on Monday, September 7, following a long career within the trust and the wider region.

He will lead the organisation while the search for a permanent chief executive continues.

Dr Thomas said: "Having spent all of my career working directly with patients, families and colleagues across our services, I know first-hand the difference that compassionate, evidence-based, high-quality care can make to people's lives.

"It has been a privilege to serve the people of Lancashire and South Cumbria for two decades.

"My focus, and one I will champion across the Trust, is to create the conditions for colleagues to deliver safe, person-centred care that is clinically led, which will deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients, families/carers and communities."

He began his career with the trust in 2006, completing his medical and psychiatry training in the region before becoming a consultant psychiatrist in older adult services in Lytham in 2014.

Since then, he has held several senior clinical and executive roles across the trust, which serves patients throughout Lancashire and South Cumbria.

Dr Thomas said: "It's an exciting time for LSCFT as we continue on our improvement journey working alongside our wider health and care partners within Lancashire and South Cumbria."

He will remain as interim chief executive until a permanent appointment is made.

As part of the executive changes, Dr Dushyanthan Mahadevan, a consultant in child and adolescent psychiatry, will serve as interim chief medical officer.