A leading figure in the region's troubled mental health trust has confirmed she will continue her role for three more years.

Zoe Billingham, who joined the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust as chairman in January 2022, has been appointed to the role for a second term.

During her two years in the role, the trust has faced intense scrutiny over the quality of its care and has been rocked by scandals involving mortality data.

However, it has also seen improvements recognised by the Care Quality Commission, which boosted its rating from inadequate to requiring improvements.

Ms Billingham has also overseen the appointment of a new chief executive officer at the trust - Caroline Donovan - and the launch of a new five-year strategy which aims the improve the care and culture at the organisation. 

She said: "While we have further to go, I am pleased with the transformation taking place across our trust, as was recognised earlier in my tenure by the CQC.

"Since then, we have put in place the fundamental building blocks needed for a safer, kinder, better future.

"I know we have much more to do to achieve our ambitions for those we provide care for.

"I am confident that by working together with our service users, their carers and families - and of course our dedicated staff - we will continue to improve as a trust."

Patricia Hewitt, chairman of the NHS Norfolk and Waveney integrated care board, said: "I am delighted that Zoe has been reappointed as chairman of NSFT.

"Zoe's wealth of experience, together with her passion and commitment for making improvements to mental health services is an asset to the trust and our local health and care systems."

Ms Billingham's reappointment will see her stay on in the role until December 31, 2027,