A NEW boss has been appointed at the organisation which runs community hospitals in Maldon, Braintree and Halstead.

Mark Heasman is taking over as the new chief executive officer of Provide and will start the role in September.

Provide runs St Peter’s Hospital in Maldon, Braintree Community Hospital and Halstead Hospital.

In January, current CEO John Niland announced he planned to retire in June, but agreed to stay on until September when the coronavirus pandemic broke out.

Mr Heasman is currently the global CEO for a children’s charity.

Before that he was the boss of one of the largest charities in the east of England providing services to young people.

Mr Heasman said he was delighted to take on the role.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be asked to lead such a caring and value-driven organisation,” he said.

“Being member-owned creates a really strong sense of culture and family, and it is a real joy to be able to lead Provide forwards with the board, my leadership team and all our amazing employees.”

Mr Niland said: “I have known Mark as a non-executive director for five years and I know how capable and committed he is to this organisation.

“I have enjoyed working with him and have really respected his advice and experience.

“I am sure he will do a fantastic job as CEO and I am confident he will bring further success to Provide.

“I leave knowing the organisation and staff are in safe hands.”

Provide chairman Derrick Louis said: “Whilst I am naturally very sad to see John leave Provide, I am delighted to be able to appoint Mark who will build on John’s success and take us on the next leg of our journey.

“Mark already has a great insight into Provide and with his considerable experience as a CEO will be a real asset.”

Provide employs 1,000 people and also runs community clinics and provides healthcare in people’s homes.