Dr Annette Doherty OBE FRSC has been announced as the new Chair of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW).

Dr Doherty has 35 years of international experience working in the pharmaceutical sector and has been directly involved in the research, development and launch of new medicines in respiratory, infectious diseases, cancer and inflammatory conditions. She is also President Elect of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

The new Chair said: “This is an exciting opportunity and I am delighted to be joining the fantastic team at MTW, and an organisation which is recognised as a top performing acute trust in a number of key areas.

“I’m looking forward to working with colleagues and partners across the Kent and Medway Integrated Care System and the Kent and Medway Medical School as we deliver a number of ambitious projects which will provide real improvements in patient care. These include the official openings of both the new Hyper Acute Stroke Unit and the Kent and Medway Orthopaedic Centre, the development of services at the recently acquired Spire Tunbridge Wells Hospital site and the completion of a new academic teaching building.”

Dr Doherty will take over from David Highton, who completes his term of office at the end of April, after seven years as Chair.

Miles Scott, Chief Executive at MTW, said: “I am delighted Dr Doherty is joining the Trust. Her experience in the pharmaceutical sector and in leadership roles both within the NHS and across a range of sectors, will provide a fresh insight and focus for MTW as we continue to develop services and improve care for our local communities.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank David Highton, our outgoing Chair. Not only for the important role he has played in the Trust’s improvement journey in recent years, but for the support and leadership he has provided to both myself and the Board.”