University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust is to have a new chief medical officer.

Dr Pete Wilson will join the trust at the beginning of April from his current role as medical director for direct commissioning for the South West region of NHS England.

Siobhan Harrington, chief executive of UHD, said: “I am delighted that Peter will be joining us. Our trust is going through a significant transformation programme and we welcome someone of his experience to lead our medical team at this time. His knowledge will help ensure we provide great care for our patients in very challenging times for the NHS, working with our partners across Dorset. I would also like to thank Dr Ruth Williamson for all she has done as interim chief medical officer over the last months.”

Dr Wilson said: “I am proud to be joining a strong team which is striving to continuously improve. I am excited about the opportunities that the new builds and the new ways of working bring for those working in the trust, our colleagues across Dorset and, most importantly, the people of Dorset who we serve.”

Dr Wilson’s clinical background is as a consultant in paediatric intensive care. He developed his clinical and leadership career at University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, where he held the role of divisional clinical director for women’s and children’s services and clinical director for the Southampton Children’s Hospital. Nationally, he has also been clinical chairman of NHS England’s Programme Board for Women and Children.