LIVERPOOL Women’s Hospital has appointed a new chief executive.

Kathryn Thomson takes over from Louise Shepherd, who moved to Alder Hey last month.

She joins the trust from University Hospital of South Manchester, where she is executive director of operations and human resources.

Ms Thomson has enjoyed a long and successful NHS career, and has previously held posts in Liverpool hospitals, including Alder Hey and the Cardiothoracic Centre, where she was heavily involved in the proposals for the successful re-development of the site.

The Wirral-born mother-of-two is very proud of her local roots, and she can often be found walking her German Shepherd along the borough’s coast.

She said: “I feel absolutely delighted and privileged to have been appointed to this post. This is a really exciting time for the trust, which is one of the top- performing NHS Foundation Trusts nationally, as well as having an unparalleled reputation for excellence in women’s services.

“I am particularly looking forward to working with the dedicated staff of the Women’s to explore the many opportunities open to us as a foundation trust, to make the most of the benefits available and improve services for women and babies on Merseyside.”