THE chief executive of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has announced her decision to retire at the end of the year, after 21 years at the trust, 13 in the top role.

Mary Edwards joined the trust in 1995 as director of nursing and was appointed as chief executive in 2003.

The trust runs the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester as well as hospitals in Andover and Basingstoke.

She led the organisation to many successes including its recognition as a Foundation Trust, overseeing the successful acquisition of an NHS Trust by a Foundation Trust, and the creation of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in 2012.

Elizabeth Padmore, chairman of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which covers hospitals in Winchester, Basingstoke and Andover, said: “Mary’s drive, her vision and her ability to bring people together means she leaves behind a resilient organisation.

“I am now focused on the challenge of finding a new chief executive who will take forward the positive culture Mary has created and who can build on Mary’s success.

“We will remain what we have been under Mary’s leadership – a clinically-led organisation focused on patient care, with a caring and compassionate culture.

"We will take forward a clear strategic vision for the future that will deliver sustainable service change including 24/7 consultant care for the sickest.

“We have a great senior team who will welcome and support whoever is appointed into the role of chief executive.”

Mary Edwards said: “Deciding to retire after so many years of service was tough because of the loyalty I feel to the staff and because I recognise the huge commitment shown by all our staff who come to work every day to deliver the best possible service to our patients.

“After a lot of thought and discussion with my husband, we have decided to prioritise our plans for retirement together.

“The trust has a great leadership team and amazing staff and I wish them every success for the future and I’d like to thank all my colleagues for their support over many years.

“I know whoever replaces me will have the same belief in our staff and the same focus on patient care.”

The board has begun the search for a new chief executive.

It is anticipated that an appointment will be made by the end of the year.