Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS trust names Suzanne Rankin as new CEO

Suzanne Rankin will become the new chief executive of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust on September 3, ending a months-long search after the retirement of Ron Shields. The appointment follows a rigorous national recruitment process and marks a pivotal moment for the merged trust, which now serves two million people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Rankin brings three decades of NHS leadership to the role, including stints as chief executive at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. Her background spans military nursing—she began her career in the Royal Navy—integrated health systems, and a strong focus on community wellbeing and health determinants. In her first public remarks as incoming CEO, Rankin called the opportunity to lead local services “a golden moment” to improve care for residents.

Ron Shields, who retired in July, praised Rankin’s appointment, saying, “I am proud of what we’ve achieved and delighted Suzanne will lead the trust into its next phase.” Neil Hayward, chair of the trust, highlighted her people-focused approach and understanding of regional health challenges during the selection process.

The trust delivers primary care, community services, mental health, and learning disability support across the region, with a strategic focus on strengthening neighbourhood-based care and tackling health inequalities. Regional health leaders have welcomed Rankin’s appointment. Anne Eden, NHS England South East regional director, said she was “delighted” to see Rankin return to the regional leadership team, calling her a “highly respected, values-led NHS leader.”

Rankin steps into the role as the trust faces rising demand and financial pressures, with a renewed emphasis on integrated care and preventative health. Her appointment underscores a broader shift toward system-wide collaboration in the region, where health and care leaders are prioritising early intervention and community-based support to reduce hospital admissions.

The trust’s merger in 2024 created one of the largest integrated care systems in England, combining multiple NHS providers under a single foundation trust. Rankin’s leadership will be closely watched as she navigates workforce shortages, funding constraints, and the challenge of delivering equitable care across urban and rural communities.

With Hampshire and the Isle of Wight home to a growing aging population and rising health inequalities, Rankin has pledged to work closely with local authorities, charities, and the voluntary sector to strengthen care networks. Her military nursing background and experience in system leadership could provide a strategic edge as the trust seeks to modernise its services and improve patient outcomes.