A NEW chief executive, Dr Nick Broughton, has been appointed to the top team at Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

Currently medical director at West London Mental Health Trust, one of the largest specialist mental health trusts in the country, Dr Broughton hopes to start his new position in early February.

He replaces Edward Colgan who retires at the end of December. Interim arrangements will be put in place for January.

Dr Broughton completed his medical training in 1992 and has more than 15 years’ experience as a consultant in forensic psychiatry.

He is also a director for Imperial College Health Partners, a partnership between the academic and health communities in North West London, aimed at improving patient health by spreading best practice research across a range of health and social care areas.

He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and is a trustee of the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust, a charity dedicated to helping young people look after their mental well-being.

Somerset Partnership chairman Stephen Ladyman said: “Dr Nick Broughton brings to the trust a wealth of both executive and clinical experience in mental health services.

“He also has an understanding of the challenges of tendering for and planning community services and his skills and experience will provide a good balance to those we already have in place on the board.

“Dr Broughton also has experience of the voluntary sector and will be instrumental in strengthening our relationships and partnerships with this key group of charity and voluntary organisations.

“I believe he has the qualities and experience to lead Somerset Partnership through the challenges we face as a community and mental health Trust in Somerset, and the wider national landscape.”

Dr Broughton was appointed after a rigorous recruitment procedure which saw carers, volunteers, staff and public governors, Somerset Clinical Commission Group representatives and a range of senior trust managers in line for selection.

He said: “It is a huge honour to have been appointed as chief executive of Somerset Partnership and to be able to lead such a fantastic organisation.

“I greatly look forward to getting to know the trust, its staff and those who use its services.

“Going forward, I am determined to build on the tremendous work Edward Colgan has done during his tenure and ensure that Somerset Partnership continues to play a major role in providing healthcare across Somerset and the wider region.”

Dr Broughton is married with two children and enjoys all sport, including marathon running, golf and skiing.