Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT) has appointed experienced NHS leader Julia Nixon as its new Chief Operating Officer, following a national recruitment process.
Julia joined the Trust on Monday 13 July, bringing with her extensive operational leadership experience from across the Yorkshire healthcare system and a strong track record of delivering high-quality patient services, improving performance and leading large multidisciplinary teams.
The Chief Operating Officer role is pivotal to the delivery of safe, effective and compassionate care, overseeing the day-to-day running of clinical services while helping to shape the Trust’s strategic direction and future ambitions.
Julia succeeds Russell Nightingale, who served as HDFT’s Chief Operating Officer from April 2021 before taking up the role of Chief Delivery Officer at University Hospital Tees earlier this year.
Prior to joining HDFT, Julia was Associate Chief Operating Officer – Remote Care at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust for two years, where she led services supporting patients through innovative remote and urgent care pathways.
Before this, she spent 11 years at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, where roles included Clinical Lead for Transformation, Operations Director for Urgent and Emergency Care and Cancer Services, and Deputy Chief Operating Officer.
With more than 24 years of NHS experience, Julia has built a reputation for developing high-performing services, driving operational improvements and maintaining a relentless focus on patient care and staff experience.
Announcing the appointment, Jonathan Coulter, Chief Executive of HDFT, said: “I am delighted to welcome Julia to our Trust. She joins us with a wealth of experience gained across a range of NHS organisations and a proven track record of leading complex operational services.
“Julia’s leadership style, commitment to quality and passion for improving services for patients make her an excellent fit for our organisation. As we continue to develop our services and respond to the challenges facing the NHS, her expertise will be invaluable in helping us deliver outstanding care for the communities we serve.
“I know colleagues across the Trust will join me in welcoming Julia to HDFT and wishing her every success in her new role.”
Speaking about her appointment, Julia Nixon said: “I am delighted to be joining Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust and becoming part of an organisation with such a strong reputation for delivering quality improvement, high-quality care and putting patients at the heart of everything it does.
“Throughout my career I have been passionate about supporting frontline teams to provide the very best care possible. I look forward to working with colleagues across the Trust, our partners and local communities to build on the excellent work already taking place and to help shape the future of services for our patients.
“HDFT has big ambitions and it is a privilege to join HDFT at such an important time. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and I look forward to continuing to transform and develop services across the whole of the geography that HDFT covers.”
Julia’s appointment further strengthens HDFT’s executive leadership team as the Trust continues to enhance services and deliver safe, effective and compassionate care for patients.