Sir James Mackey has been announced as the new Chief Executive of Newcastle Hospitals.

Sir James, an NHS leader with over two decades experience as a Chief Executive, is to formally take up this position in the coming months, stepping down from his extended role with NHS England as Interim Chief Operating Officer.

He will continue to lead the national elective recovery programme and Chair the NHS Customer Board for Procurement and Supply.

He replaces Dame Jackie Daniel who declared her intention to leave in August.

Sir James said: “I am delighted to be appointed as Chief Executive of Newcastle Hospitals. I have always been very proud to work in the NHS and I’m excited to take on this new challenge and become part of the ambitious team in Newcastle.

"This will be a critical time for the trust as we work through the impacts of the last few years and ensure that patients remain truly at the centre of everything we do.

“My heart has always been in the North East and it’s a privilege to have been appointed to lead one of largest teaching trusts in England and one that plays an essential role in the health and wellbeing of patients across the region."