New chair appointed at Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Trust

Neil Hayward, an experienced leader with a varied career across multiple public and private sector organisations, will take on the role from Tuesday, April 1.

The trust was formed in October 2024 and delivers NHS mental health and community services to a population of around 1.9 million people across the region.

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Neil Hayward will take on the role from Tuesday, April 1. (Image: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust) Mr Hayward, an HR professional by background, is a non-executive and board director with experience in executive roles at FTSE 100 companies.

He has led a varied career across multiple sectors, both public and private, including within the NHS.

Mr Hayward has previously held executive-level responsibilities for strategy and planning, business development, corporate communications and corporate affairs, health and safety and transformation.

He is also a governor at Southampton Solent University and an experienced mentor.

Mr Hayward succeeds Lynne Hunt, who will be stepping down at the end of March after a 47-year career in the NHS.

Ms Hunt has been chair for seven years, during which time she brought stability and strength to Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust and oversaw the creation of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare by bringing together a number of local NHS bodies.

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Lynne Hunt will be stepping down at the end of March. (Image: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust) Mr Hayward said: "I am delighted to join Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare because I believe it is best placed to deliver a fundamental shift from hospital to community care, with a bigger focus on preventing ill health, and working with partners to help people to live their best and healthiest lives.”

Ms Hunt said: “It has been a total pleasure and privilege to work with so many talented, passionate and compassionate people, dedicated to doing the very best they can to help some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

"As well as my role as chair, I am so thankful for the opportunities I had as mental health nurse, delivering hands-on care to people in acute to secure services.

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"It was a privilege to provide care with real love to people who needed it most.

"I warmly welcome Neil and I wish him and everyone associated with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare the very best for the future."

Ron Shields, chief executive at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare, said: "Neil’s breadth and depth of experience will be an asset to the trust and his leadership will build upon the great work done by Lynne, whom we thank for her tremendous contribution and wish a very fond farewell."