New Chair of Solent NHS Trust appointed

Catherine Mason has been appointed the new Chair of Solent NHS Trust.

Catherine, who lives locally, joins the Trust from University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust where she is a non-executive director. Catherine started working in healthcare in 2016 when she was appointed as Chief Executive for Allied Healthcare, the UK’s largest provider of care at home. She then joined Spire Healthcare as Chief Operating Officer.

Prior to moving into health, Catherine worked in the transport, consumer goods and healthcare sectors. She has held senior roles within marketing for blue chip companies, was the Group Chief Executive of Translink, a public transport organisation in Northern Ireland and was Managing Director of NATS (National Air Traffic Services) Services division, the leading provider of air traffic control services.

Speaking about her appointment, Catherine, who is really committed to improving healthcare for local communities, said: “I am really looking forward to working with everyone in the Trust, and with partners, to realise the vision of making a difference for the population we serve.”

Trust Chief Executive, Sue Harriman, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Catherine to the Trust in April.

“Catherine brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge. She will play a vital role in helping us to continue to make a difference; working with others to help empower people to stay well and, where possible, be cared for at home, and in helping to shape the future of local care systems.”

Catherine joins the Trust on 1 April 2019, following the retirement of Dr Alistair Stokes on 31 March, the natural end of his tenure.