Following a rigorous and competitive recruitment process, Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals (WHH) has announced the appointment of Nikhil Khashu as its new chief executive. 

Nik will replace Dr Simon Constable, who leaves WHH at the end of August after nearly ten years in the Trust. 

Nik will join the organisation this autumn on a two-year interim basis as the Trust looks to achieve closer integration with its community partner Bridgewater Community Healthcare. He will be seconded from NHS England’s North West regional team, where he has been Director of Finance since April 2022. 

More recently, Nik has been working nationally as NHS England’s Deputy Chief Finance Officer. His previous experience includes executive director roles at provider organisations Calderstones and St Helen’s and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals. 

Steve McGuirk, chair of WHH, said: “I’m pleased that from a very strong field of candidates, we have appointed Nik to be our chief executive. His unwavering focus on quality, patient care and staff experience shone through. I’m confident that his background and leadership style will be a huge asset, not just to us at WHH but across the wider health and care system. 

“I would like to thank all those involved in the recruitment process, including external partners, governors, non-executive and executive directors. It was certainly robust and has resulted in the appointment of an exceptional candidate.”

Speaking of his appointment, Nik said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be appointed to lead Warrington and Halton Hospitals, in what is sure to be a highlight of my career. Having lived in Warrington for 20 years, I have a very personal connection to the area and to the hospitals’ services. 

“I am committed to enabling the best possible care to be provided for the people of Warrington, Halton, and beyond. I have witnessed for myself so many times the commitment and dedication of the talented people who work at the Trust, and I look forward to joining them later this year.”