A NEW director has been appointed at NHS England South for nursing and quality.

Sarah Elliott, the former director of nursing in the Wessex Area Team of NHS England will take over from Liz Redfern.

“It’s an honour to take over this role from Liz Redfern who has done a fantastic job over the last eight years,” said Sarah. “I’m looking forward to working closely with the rest of the regional team at this new and exciting time for the NHS and in particular driving further quality improvements to patient experience and patient safety across the south.”

After qualifying, Sarah practiced as a nurse, including in intensive care. She later trained as a health visitor and practice teacher in Brighton.

Over the past three years Sarah has led on joint commissioning, contributed to the development of national safeguarding policies, established a Wessex-wide Quality Surveillance Group and initiated multiple patient and public involvement activities.