A NEW non-executive director has been appointed at Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership Trust.

Former chief executive of North Bristol NHS Trust, Ruth Brunt was chosen to fill the post for the next four years following a rigorous interview process.

Ruth has 40 years of experience working for the NHS and held various executive director roles before retiring in 2012.

She joined AWP in January as a non-executive associate director, increasing the clinical and nursing voice on the board.

AWP chair Tony Gallagher said he was delighted with the appointment.

“I am sure she will continue to make a major contribution to the trust as we move forward on our foundation trust journey,” he said.

Ruth will be paid £6,157 and follow the NHS’s codes of conduct and accountability.

She said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my role as an associate non-executive director and look forward to helping the trust move forward in the coming years.”