Leadership change at Northern Trust as Suzanne Pullins takes over from Jennifer Welsh

Suzanne Pullins, newly appointed Interim Chief Executive of Northern Health & Social Care Trust

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust has confirmed the appointment of Suzanne Pullins as its Interim Chief Executive.

Ms Pullins, who has served as the Trust’s Executive Director of Nursing since September 2020, officially took up her new role today, Wednesday 1 October.

With almost four decades of experience in nursing and healthcare leadership, Ms Pullins brings extensive expertise in operational management, patient safety and quality improvement.

Reflecting on her appointment, she said:

“I am absolutely privileged to be taking on the role of Interim Chief Executive.

“The Northern Trust is very special to me. I started my nursing career in the Northern Area College of nursing in December 1983 and, with the exception of six years in the Belfast Trust, I have spent the remainder of my career in the Northern Trust.

“I am very pleased that I now have the opportunity to lead an organisation that I care so deeply about, working alongside a hugely talented group of colleagues who I have a deep respect for.”

Ms Pullins succeeds Jennifer Welsh, who has taken up the position of Chief Executive with Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

The Northern Trust provides health and social care services to a population of around 480,000 people across Antrim, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Magherafelt, Cookstown and parts of Belfast.