THERE will soon be a new face at the helm of Dudley’s mental health trust after the current chairman decided to step down.

Ben Reid, who joined Dudley and Walsall Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust in April 2016, is taking on a new role as chairman of The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust.

He will step down from his current role at the end of January, with current non-executive director and vice-chairman Harry Turner (pictured below) announced as the man to take on the job from February 1.

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The professional career of Mr Turner, who was born and educated in the Black Country, has been spent in the hospitality sector, managing a range of hotel groups, golf courses and leisure clubs.

Alongside this, he has held a number of board level positions in the NHS, most recently as chairman of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

Speaking about his new role, Mr Turner said: “As a member of the board I recognise the importance of delivering high quality mental health services.

“I am looking forward to spending time meeting and listening to staff and working with our partners to build on our success to date and to continue developing outstanding and sustainable services for the population we serve.”

The term of Mr Turner, who has declared no political activity, will run from February 1 until March 31, 2019 and he is entitled to receive a remuneration of £30,000 per annum.

Mark Axcell, the trust’s chief executive, said: “I look forward to working closely with Harry. He has already made a positive impact in his role as non-executive director.

“His knowledge of the NHS and the importance of mental health will help the trust to continue to build on its successes.

“The board and I would also like to thank Ben for his support over the past 19 months and wish him the best of luck in his new role.”