A mental health trust which covers parts of east London and Essex has appointed a new chief executive.

North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT), which provides community and mental health services, announced the appointment of Paul Calaminus on Thursday (June 15).

NELFT covers Havering, Barking and Dagenham, Essex, Redbridge, Waltham Forest and Kent.

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Mr Calaminus is currently chief executive of East London NHS Foundation Trust, a role he has held for over six years, and is expected to join NELFT this summer.

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Eileen Taylor, NELFT chair, said Mr Calaminus's prior experience leading a mental health and community services trust will improve NELFT's ability to deliver the best care.

Leaving the trust is Jacqui Van Rossum, who has been acting chief executive for 18 months.

Ms Van Rossum will continue in the role until the summer, when Mr Calaminus is expected to take over.

Mr Calaminus added: “I am delighted to be joining the trust [...] to deliver the best outcomes for local people."