SOUTHERN Health NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Melbury Lodge mental health unit in Winchester, has announced its new chairman as Mike Petter.

Mr Petter, a father-of-three, has served as a non-executive director at the trust since it was formed in 2011.

Mr Petter was previously Chair of the then Hampshire Primary Care Trust Provider Services and a Non-Executive Director of the former Hampshire Primary Care Trust.

Beginning his business career as a Chartered Engineer with Geoffrey Osbourne Ltd, he now sits on a number of boards including the Guinness Partnership, one of the largest affordable housing and care providers in the country.

He said: “I have been involved with Southern Health from the very beginning and have seen it grow to become a leader in the local health care sector.

“There are exciting times ahead for us, from our Better Local Care pilot, which is set to transform the way care is delivered in the community, to a world record attempt and a leading role in the national Crisis Care Concordat.”

The trust provides mental health, learning disability, social care and community services, such as health visitors across Hampshire.