Tara Argent has been announced as our new Chief Operating Officer at the Trust, taking over from Joe Chadwick-Bell who will become Chief Executive at the end of September. Tara will start in her new position in January 2021.
Tara Argent – New Chief Operating Officer
Tara started working at ESHT in June 2020 as Deputy Chief Operating Officer. Prior to working at ESHT, Tara worked as Divisional Director of Operations at Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust. Tara started her career working at Eurotunnel, followed by a series of appointments in the NHS and at Auckland District Health Board in New Zealand.
Tara is a senior operational leader both in the public and private sector, in the UK and New Zealand, with extensive experience in Emergency Management.
Tara Argent said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed as the new Chief Operating Officer at ESHT. I have been proud to work alongside colleagues over the last two months as we have responded to Covid-19. I am looking forward to continuing this work as Chief Operating Officer and meeting the challenge of restoring service to the people of East Sussex while remaining prepared for an increase in Covid-19 cases.
“I’m particularly looking forward to working with our partners across Sussex as part of the Integrated Care System to ensure that we are truly working together as one Sussex system.’’
Joe Chadwick-Bell, Deputy Chief Executive said: “Tara will be a great asset to our ESHT team. Her knowledge, experience and understanding will mean that we are well prepared for the challenges ahead. I would like to personally thank Imran Devji who has been working as Interim Chief Operating Officer and will continue in this position until the end of the year.”
Steve Phoenix, ESHT Chairman said: “I am very pleased to welcome Tara to the Trust Board. This is an exciting time for ESHT and Tara brings a broad range of knowledge and skills to the Board which will be vital as we work together with our partners across Sussex to deliver improved health and wellbeing outcomes for local people.”