New chief nurse announced for North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust

North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust has announced the appointment of Nicola Martin as its new chief nurse. 

Nicola, an experienced nursing leader with more than 20 years' experience in the NHS, will join the trust from The Walton Centre, where she has served as chief nurse since November 2023.

She will replace Ali Kennah, who is retiring later this month after nearly 10 years with North Cheshire and Mersey and 30 years of service in the NHS.

Following a competitive recruitment process Nicola will join the trust later this year, with Tracy Fennell, deputy chief nurse, taking on the role on an interim basis until then. 

Nicola qualified as a registered nurse in 2002 and has held a variety of senior nurse roles across the North West. These include site director of nursing for Aintree University Hospital, part of the University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, and divisional nurse director at Wirral University Teaching Hospital.

Speaking of her appointment, Nicola said: “I am delighted to be joining North Cheshire and Mersey as chief nurse and it is a privilege to be taking on this role. I am passionate about delivering safe, compassionate and high-quality care while creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported and empowered to make a difference. 

“I am very much looking forward to working with colleagues across the trust to ensure patients and their families continue to receive the best outcomes and experience across our hospital and community services.”

Nikhil Khashu, chief executive of North Cheshire and Mersey, said: “I am pleased to announce Nicola’s appointment and welcome her to our executive team and Trust Board. Her commitment and dedication to ensuring the highest standards of nursing care and patient experience really shone through and I am confident Nicola will be an asset to our organisation.

“I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Ali for her commitment and service to the NHS over so many years and wish her every happiness in her retirement.”