A non-executive director on West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust's board has been promoted.

Natalie Edwards has been appointed as a substantive non-executive director, giving her full voting rights.

Her role is to hold executive directors on the board to account and ensure the board is working in the best interests of patients and the public.

Ms Edwards initially joined the board in 2019 as an associate non-executive director.

She currently chairs the trust's people, education and research committee and also takes up the newly created role of 'Guardian of Wellbeing', seeking assurance that the trust’s wellbeing strategy continues to meet its goals.

Passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion, Ms Edwards is looking forward to working closely with the trust's BAME Connect Network.

Trust chairman Phil Townsend said: "Natalie’s appointment as non-executive director is greatly welcomed. She has flourished during her time as an associate non-executive director and I look forward to having her input as a full member of the board."