Local NHS Group appoints Chief Nursing Officer

Martina Morris, currently site Chief Nursing Officer and Deputy Group Chief Nursing Officer at The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust and Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, will join Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Community and Hospitals NHS Group in June 2026.

The Group includes Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust (ShropCom) and The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH).

With nearly 30 years of nursing and leadership experience, including in critical care, Martina brings significant strategic and leadership experience in community and hospital care.

With a proven track record of quality improvement, she is dedicated to continuously improving patient outcomes and experience.

Jo Williams, Group Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted to welcome Martina to our Group this Summer. Martina’s experience, authenticity and compassion for patients and colleagues shines through.

“We are committed to becoming the best organisations to receive care and work. Martina’s leadership and values will empower our colleagues to accelerate our quality, education and cultural improvement, as we strive towards excellence for our communities.”

Martina, pictured, said: “I feel privileged to be joining the Group and to be part of the exciting transformation taking place locally. My family regularly use local services, and I have seen firsthand how hard working, caring and compassionate colleagues are, despite the significant pressures the NHS faces.

“Ensuring staff are supported, empowered and equipped to be the best version of themselves to deliver the best care for our patients and the communities we serve is very important to me. I am truly looking forward to being part of the team.

“Becoming a Group is a fantastic opportunity to grow our community offer to deliver more care closer to people’s homes, help everyone have the best start in life and live healthier for longer. I am keen to ensure that as a Group we listen to patients, families, communities and partners as we continue to further build an NHS that we can all be proud of.”

Jo added: “I am truly grateful for the support Paula Gardner has provided to SaTH in her role as Interim Chief Nursing Officer while we recruited to the substantive position. Paula has brought not only a wealth of experience and determination, but also a genuine warmth and compassion that has made a real difference to colleagues and patients alike.

“Her passion for her profession and her deep commitment to delivering high-quality care have been clear in everything she has done, and she will be greatly missed by all who have had the privilege of working with her.

“I am pleased that Paula will remain with us for a time to support the handover to Martina, and I would like to thank her personally for her dedication and leadership, and wish her every success and happiness for the future.”