South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has announced the appointment of Liz Davenport to the substantive post of Chief Operating Officer for the Trust.
Liz has been carrying out the role on an interim basis since September 2014 and came to the Trust, which runs Torbay Hospital, with a wealth of experience. She has worked at Devon Partnership Trust since 2001, including four years as a Locality Director, five years as Director of Workforce and Organisational Development, and has been Director of Operations for the mental health and learning disability trust for the past four years. Alongside the Director of Operations role, Liz was also Deputy Chief Executive since April 2013 and was acting Chief Executive for a time until a substantive appointment was made.
Before moving to Devon in 2001, Liz worked for five organisations that delivered mental health and learning disability services and held a number of professional leadership, team management and clinical roles as an Occupational Therapist, including Professional Lead for Occupational Therapy at Devon Partnership Trust.
Announcing the appointment, Sir Richard Ibbotson, Chair of South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Following a rigorous recruitment process, with a high calibre of applicants, I am delighted that Liz has been appointed to this role. Her vast experience in many aspects of health and social care over the years, including improving and re-designing services, as well as safeguarding and emergency preparedness, will stand us in good stead as we prepare for integrating with Torbay and Southern Devon Health and Care NHS Trust.“
Commenting on her appointment, Liz said: “I am very honoured to be offered the Chief Operating Officer post. It is wonderful to be joining such a strong team at a point where we are taking forward some ground breaking initiatives as we work towards an integrated care organisation for the people of Torbay and South Devon.”
